The answer to this question depends entirely on what our goals are. Many people do not fully realize that for general health, fitness and all around well being, not a whole lot of exercise is actually necessary.

Even if we have 100 pounds to lose we do not have to exercise more than 3 times per week unless, of course, we are trying to win a contest for whoever loses the most weight in 90 days wins $250,000 or have a fantastically fast body transformation. If any one doubts that last statement, then they haven’t TRULY tried to exercise properly while at the same time eat the way they know they should.

The confusion sets in when we are bombarded with thousands of methods, opinions and misunderstandings that come at us from friends, family, coworkers, neighbors and gurus of the day. It seems everyone has an opinion that is backed by so called facts, figures and statistics. Some of these things MAY be true but I kind of take a different approach to things and want to try and cut through some of the madness and express "my opinion" to get to the real meaning behind this question.

You ask, “How often should I exercise.” Since this question is specific to you and who you are then I hope my answer will shed some light.

The quick and easy answer is…

Exercise as often as you like if the frequency you choose will keep you doing it for the rest of your life. It will not do us any good whatsoever to exercise 6-7 days per week if after the first month we get so burned out that we quit altogether, right?

I know, I know, you are looking for a more definitive answer and I will elaborate, but before I do I hope that we will really hunker down and reflect on our past and the tendencies that got us where we are at today.

We should ask ourselves a few very important questions.

- What is the longest time period that I have stayed on an exercise program?

- What did I feel like while I was doing it and why did I quit?

- Did I expect better results?

- Did I follow the program to the letter?

- Was it just too much work, and did it get in the way of my busy lifestyle?

- Did I just get sick and tired of constantly pushing myself to get through the workout?

- Did I feel like a failure if I missed a few workouts and stop completely because if I didn’t do it everyday I would feel like a worthless putz?

I can come up with many more of these questions but I think you get the point.

Every person that wants to embark on a fitness routine should first find out what they are willing to accept as a life long regimen.

The reason is if we are not in it for the long haul then why waste our time in the first place. I will use myself as an example. Many moons ago I worked out virtually everyday of the week. By the time I was 22 (as of this post 2/20/11, I am almost 42) I had about 7 years of training under my belt.

After I got married and started a family I realized that the exercise routine I was on was taking way too much of my free time and energy. I was working full time and trying to give my family time amongst other things but the total amount of exercise that I was doing (about 1.5 -2.5 hrs. 6 days per week) was actually getting in the way.

This is when I said a prayer.

I’m not kidding. I really did. I asked the Lord for help and I’ll never forget it because it has quite literally changed my life for the better and is the sole reason why I am writing to you today.

My simple yet obviously effective prayer was this:

“Lord I want to stay in shape and be strong and healthy, but if it means that I need to do what I have been doing and workout almost everyday while keeping up with a full time and strenuous job and a growing family then I don’t think I can do it. If there is another way then PLEASE let me know.” 

Well, suffice it to say, my prayer was answered and shortly after, my workouts went from 1.5 -2.5 hours, 6 days per week to 30-60 minutes or less, 2-3 days per week. And after endless research and experimentation I am now down to about ONE intense workout every 4-8 days for maintenance, depending on my schedule and how I feel.

If I have a specific goal in mind like getting in peak performance then I’ll up the ante a bit and temporarily increase the frequency of my workouts to 3 days per week and at the very max 4 days. But most of that will be different types of Beachbody routines, calisthenics, sports or other types of strenuous activities. Typically I do some sort of resistance training with an emphasis on strength once and at the most twice per week no matter what the goal is.   

So what does this have to do with the question?

Plenty, whether your goal is to lose weight, gain muscle, feel better in your skin, or any thing in between. You’ve got to first start with the long term approach in mind as a solid foundation, then tweak things a little bit to suit your short term goals like a total body transformation (Beachbody style) or getting in shape for your High School reunion or whatever else that is pressing at the moment. 

I do not think that we have to exercise every day to be healthy, fit and happy. Instead how about doing just what you actually need to stay in decent shape all year around for the rest of your life and then phase in specific times of the year (like summer when you may want to look your best in a bathing suit) to turn it up a notch and get in peak condition.

If you do this then you will stay closer to your normal, healthier weight (for you) all year around and most likely never be more than 4-8 weeks out from being in your utmost best condition.

I hope this helps and sheds a little light on this question, and if it doesn’t, realize that the question, “How often should I exercise,” solely depends on each individual’s goals, time, energy, motivation and tolerances.

Side Note: Obviously most any one reading this post is attempting to complete a specific Beachbody fitness program (as I did when I let myself go and put on excessive bodyfat) and I AM NOT trying to give conflicting information. We all know that they are designed with a 6 day per week regimen.

I am writing this with the intent of encouraging each person to keep up their quest to reach their fitness and health goals, yet always think about the long term approach, so that if and when various life circumstances get in the way of your healthy eating and fitness routines, you don’t get so discouraged that you quit entirely.

Remember, it may take a while for some of us to get to that coveted “maintenance mode”  (like many of the Beachbody success stories) but as the story goes, the tortoise DID beat the hare.

You can and will pass the finish line if you just keep on trucking.

I wish you the best and am always open to hear your inspiring stories and of course any suggestions or questions.

May God bless all of your positive endeavors.

Troy

www.troysfitness@gmail.com