How long should a workout be?

[mkumar]

I know that working out too much can cause catabolic effects, but what I want to know is the optimum time that a person should spend in the gym.

Sometimes I can do my shoulders and triceps in a 3o min session. Other parts such as back/chest take up to an hour.

Or is it until you can't lift no more!

[laurasaur]

I read something about testosterone levels dropping after 45 mins or something.. or 45 mins being the magic time. I don't know, mine are 45mins to 1 hour max currently

[Luigi]

different strokes for different folks, when will your workout journal be starting ?

[bigred8]

Yes various studies identify testosterone decline between 45 to 60 mins, but there are so many variables at play here. For example, one can still lift strongly with lowered testosterone and low testosterone doesn't necessarily mean a catabolic state. In some individuals levels remain high for longer and it is a very individual thing as to how long one can work out effectively/efficiently/maximally. Ultimately you have to develop a feel for your own body and let your performance be your guide. My workouts are quite long at present, but an intense 45 to 60 mins should work well for anyone, whereas longer workouts will not suit all.

[ohjoshua]

Exactly the length of a peiece of string.

[Old Bull]

I read something about testosterone levels dropping after 45 mins or something.. or 45 mins being the magic time. I don't know, mine are 45mins to 1 hour max currently

That is the magic number.

We could follow Russian and Bulgarian lifters who workout between 45-55 miniutes then take a half an hours rest, reading relaxing to build levels up again for the next 45-55 minutes session. Hence the two and half hour workouts that you see in translated texts.

[AK]

Yes various studies identify testosterone decline between 45 to 60 mins, but there are so many variables at play here. For example, one can still lift strongly with lowered testosterone and low testosterone doesn't necessarily mean a catabolic state. In some individuals levels remain high for longer and it is a very individual thing as to how long one can work out effectively/efficiently/maximally. Ultimately you have to develop a feel for your own body and let your performance be your guide. My workouts are quite long at present, but an intense 45 to 60 mins should work well for anyone, whereas longer workouts will not suit all.

I like it :clap:

Other variables be considered "work density" the amount of work performed in a given time, intensity and exercise choices. Also a peri-workout shake can do wonders for delaying catabolism. IMHO :wink:

[bigred8]

Yes various studies identify testosterone decline between 45 to 60 mins, but there are so many variables at play here. For example, one can still lift strongly with lowered testosterone and low testosterone doesn't necessarily mean a catabolic state. In some individuals levels remain high for longer and it is a very individual thing as to how long one can work out effectively/efficiently/maximally. Ultimately you have to develop a feel for your own body and let your performance be your guide. My workouts are quite long at present, but an intense 45 to 60 mins should work well for anyone, whereas longer workouts will not suit all.

I like it :clap:

Other variables be considered "work density" the amount of work performed in a given time, intensity and exercise choices. Also a peri-workout shake can do wonders for delaying catabolism. IMHO :wink:

Yes :clap:

[BetterBodyMitch]

I will say that I have read, and gotten best results from the 45 minute rule. I break up my workouts for 1 large muscle group, and 1 small group 4 times a week. I do 3-4 excersizes per large group, at 3 sets, rep ranging between 8-11 (failure point) on each set, and for the small groups, I do 3 excersized, with 2 sets each, going for 11-13 reps per set (failure point)

I have put on 10 lbs in the last 5 months, and consistantly gotten stronger as I haven't hit a plateu yet.

[Optimass]

have always done max 40 - 60 minutes. resistance. Have a WPI shake in water then hit a treadmill for 30 minutes.

(Endomorph = Weights + Cardio )

[Gym rat]

I spend hour training plus it depends on what I am training that day ie legs or what ever that may be.