How Many Times a Week Should You Really Work Out?

"How often should I exercise?" We asked a Hudson Valley exercise expert just how many times per week you should actually be hitting the gym.

It seems like everyone has a different opinion on how often a person should be getting in some sweat. Doctors recommend some kind of strenuous physical activity each day, but, when it comes to making that trek to your favorite Hudson Valley gym, it helps to know exactly how often you should be breaking out that duffel bag to work out. Luckily, Angela LoBrutto, a trainer at Westchester’s Jacked Fitness, is here to tell you how many times she believes you should be hitting the gym per week.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Blink Fitness (@blinkfitness)


According to LoBrutto, the frequency with which you hit the gym really depends on what fitness goals you happen to be working toward. However, she says, “in general I believe you should workout at least four to five days a week [in order] to improve your fitness and stay in shape.”

Why four to five times per week? “Less exercise than that recommended can lead to risk of diseases and an obscene amount more can be considered over-training, which gives your body more stress than it can handle,” explains LoBrutto.

- Advertisement -

Related: 5 Ways You May Be Sabotaging Your Workouts


If your goal is simply to maintain good health, LoBrutto has a bit of sage advice: “Three days a week should focus on strength training, two days a week should be focused on cardio, and two days a week should be focused on active rest.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by JOSHUA JIMENEZ (@__jackedfitness__)


And don’t be picky about where and when you workout. LoBrutto says the important thing is that you sweat in the first place. “Working out at home, with a trainer, or at an outside gym all have their advantages and disadvantages,” she notes. “Whatever is going to make you happy, motivated, and lead you to your goals is the best choice!”

No surprise, consistency is LoBrutto’s main tip. “Frequency is important for your body to complete a process of rebuilding and repairing,” she says, “and, most importantly, to help your body find a balance that [allows for] adaptation.”

Related: 5 Tips for Early Morning Exercising in the Hudson Valley

Our Digital Partners

Learn how to become a digital partner ...

Our Best of Hudson Valley ballot is open through March 31!

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 25!

Holiday flash sale ... subscribe and save 50%

Limited time offer. New subscribers only.