FAQ - Can I still lose weight if I split my workouts throughout the day?
Friday January 19, 2007
When I was working and going to school, I would get up early and do half my workout, then do the rest of it after I got home from class. I wasn't crazy about that schedule, but I always wondered if it worked just as well as continuous workouts. Was I burning the same number of calories?
Whether you split your workouts is up to you, your schedule and your goals. For example, if you're training for something specific, like a marathon or a 10K, you may need continuous workouts in order to build endurance. But, if your schedule doesn't allow for longer workouts, you'll be glad to know that short bouts of exercise have the same benefits as continuous exercise. Learn more in my new FAQ about short bouts of exercise.
Comments
In the same situation but slightly different approach — I alternate my workouts aerobic (running) in the morning and weight training in the evening, about 45 to 60 minutes each the next day is the opposite… I’ve been doing this for about 3 weeks now and have not seen much difference in weigh-in’s or the way my clothes are fitting. Any suggestions?
“determined to maintain”-are you a man or woman? Did you just lose a lot of weight? What body type do you have?
If you are a woman then that schedule will build some muscle at first and you’ll have to be really patient and wait closer to six to ten weeks for results. You also have to really limit what you eat, don’t buy into that 5 small meals a day malarkey. That is for people who are really getting A LOT of exercise or for builders and hollywood stars with trainers. Three small meals (with the last one being eaten before 6:00pm) and one snack at most is how I was able to split up my workouts and get a small waist and very nice tone.
Thaks for the tips, I’ll patiently await the muscle. Foods? If I get any more strict I won’t be eating at all. I am a woman, and yes, I’ve lost 50 lbs. between Aug. 05 and Feb. 06 — stopped working out and by July put back the expected 15 lbs. I’ve maintained since then but really want to take the 15 back off. I’m 5-3 1/2 so the 15 lbs really shows (to me).
I find that if I start to workout in the morning then I can do what I need to do during the day….If I wait until after 9:00 then I have to fight myself to get going..I am working on keeping a journal with all my info in it…And that helps, just knowing I have to write it down everyday and be honest with myself.
I work night and went I get home from work at 9a.m. I do my excrice,and go to bed 11a.m. Is that a good time to exercise?
I think the most important thing is consistency and dedication. Regardless of the results one sees in 3 weeks or three months it’s your health for the rest of your life. To answer your question about the best time I think in the “morning” which ever your morning is because you continue to burn calories throughout your day. If working out before bed works for you don’t change it.