How do you know when you have done enough in a gym session?

[NineToTheSky]

When I started going to the gym, I just did as much as I could. As time has gone by, I have increased both the intensity and the length of my workout. I set myself an (increasing) time limit and stop when my time is up. I usually feel like I could do more. So today, as an experiment, I just kept going. And I honestly don't know what my limit is. I suppose I could keep going until I collapsed, but I won't because that would be just silly.

How do you know when you have done enough?

[emili]

Hey @NineToTheSky- I am glad you experimented so now you know not to over do it. I think going in with a goal and a plan is a good idea. I plan my workout during my commute home- its better than rehashing the day's could have, should have.

[Heybales]

Very true - that stretching time between other intense activities can be very useful.

Active Recovery is also a HR zone (usually called Fat-burning now after that fad, with it's own set of myths and misunderstandings) that when done on repair day can aid the muscles in getting blood flow and oxygen to aid healing.

And even an endurance cardio session done at that level too long goes past aiding the repair and goes to hurting the repair process.

Most of my running during training is in Recovery HR zone, because not only am I training the fat-burning system, but I'd rather make the biking intense than the running.

[SunsetRunner]

to heybales:

Where do you obtain your information?  What sources can you cite?  Do you have any accreditations? What is your strength in evaluating exercise physiology?

[Heybales]

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@acsmman wrote:

to heybales:

Where do you obtain your information?  What sources can you cite?  Do you have any accreditations? What is your strength in evaluating exercise physiology?

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From going down the road to be a trainer years ago because it was already a passion - but last minute swerve to computer desk job instead - not sure which would have been better in long run.

Research and keeping up with current training methods and studies before and after that was direction headed, because it's still a passion, beyond what I personally do for my own workouts. Still helping out with training plans for several, mostly endurance aspect.

Which of my statements do I need to dig up reserach on?

Benefit of Active Recovery training?

Stress on muscles during endurance cardio training even at low levels?

Other?

My strength is troubleshooting usually - seeing the pieces in the big picture and why things may not be working as desired.

Most people with just a little experience and digging have some ability to pick out training issues ("I try to squat heavy every day, but how come I stopped progressing after a week and seem to be weaker?").

I enjoy having in the back of the mind things I've read and researched through the years that may be useful for more unusual issues, and then confirming if still good info and good reason.

[Paradise555]

Ihave a personal trainer and I say betweeen 45 minutes to a hour is just right becuase I get really sweaty a lot of the times and feel very good after.

[SunsetRunner]

Trainers allocate specific time frames and get paid on that basis. Thus, I think you will find it is of no coincidence that your session is of a certain duration.

[SunsetRunner]

to ninetothesky

There are a number of studies that conclude gym workouts of greater than 60 minutes are counterproductive.  However, there are thousands of people that devote 4 or 5 hours a day to endeavors.

This is where personal training or your daily log is helpful.  For example, if you did 50 strict pushups 2 weeks ago and now you can do 60 your workouts are improving.  Use baseline measurements to determine if you are accomplishing anything in the workouts you currently do whether it be pushups, treadmill running, chins, or miles on the bike with specific intensity.