Originally Posted by
frangipanis
is there an optimal number of days a week to workout at the gym? I tend to go at least three times a week, often more, and alternate between a half hour workout on the treadmill, and the next time do the tready and weights.
There really isn't a set "rule" on how many times you should go to the gym. It all depends on your body's ability to recover. We all have different recovery times, and you need to find yours.
Personally, I go about 5 days a week on average... some weeks just 3 times, others 6. Workouts are NEVER more than an hour. Anything more than that is overkill. Get in, and get out. If my workouts are grueling, I tend to take more rest days in between my workouts (every other day workouts). This gives my nervous system time to recover. Most people make the mistake that it's your muscles that need recovering, but instead it is more your nervous system.
If you find that you're tired after workouts, or too tired in the mornings to get up, loss of appetite, or lack of motivation to go workout, then these are signs that you could be over-training. If 3-day workout weeks are good, then stick to them. If you like, try pushing for 4, or maybe even 5, and see how you feel. As I already stated, we all have different recovery times... you just to find yours through experimentation. Good luck!