She Strengthens

Finding Your Ideal Fitness Routine

Getting Started

We all know that exercise is essential for maintaining good health. But how often do you really need to work out to achieve your goals? Whether you’re looking to lose weight, build muscle, or simply stay healthy, finding the right balance of cardio and strength training is crucial.

Staying Healthy

If your goal is to maintain basic health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. This can be broken down into manageable chunks, such as 30 minutes of brisk walking, five days a week. Remember to mix it up and incorporate different activities to keep things interesting.

Losing Weight

To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you consume. Exercise can help, but it’s essential to combine it with a healthy diet. Aim to exercise at least four or five days a week, incorporating both cardiovascular and strength training exercises. This can include a mix of cardio activities, such as swimming, biking, or running, alongside strength training exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts.

Building Muscle

If you want to build muscle, you need to focus on strength training exercises that work multiple muscle groups at once. Aim to do strength training exercises at least three days a week, with a focus on compound exercises like squats, lunges, and deadlifts. Remember to also incorporate cardio exercises, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT), to help you burn fat and reveal your hard-earned muscle.

Creating Your Workout Schedule

So, how often should you work out? The answer depends on your goals and current fitness level. Here’s a general guide to get you started:

• For weight loss: Aim to exercise at least four or five days a week, with a mix of cardio and strength training exercises.
• For muscle gain: Focus on strength training exercises at least three days a week, with a mix of compound exercises and HIIT cardio.
• For basic health: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week.

Remember to Rest

Rest is just as important as exercise when it comes to achieving your fitness goals. Make sure to give your muscles time to recover, with at least two days of rest per week. This will help you avoid injury and ensure that your body can repair and rebuild muscle tissue.

The Takeaway

Finding the right balance of cardio and strength training is key to achieving your fitness goals. Remember to listen to your body, mix it up, and give yourself time to rest and recover. With patience and consistency, you can achieve your goals and maintain a healthy, active lifestyle.