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Find the workout that’s right for you

All workout routines need a purpose. Before determining if a workout is right for you, ask yourself some of the questions mentioned in this article. (Photospin / The Spokesman-Review)
Andrea Renee Wyatt, M.s.s., C.s.c.s. King Features Syndicate
All workout routines need a purpose. Before determining if a workout is right for you, ask yourself some of the questions mentioned in this article. (Photospin / The Spokesman-Review)

Q: My husband’s workout routine has him going to the gym for an hour in the morning to do his cardiovascular exercise, and for another hour after work to do his strength training. He does this five days a week. He wants me to start going to the gym with him and working out the same way. Would this type of schedule be beneficial for someone who just wants to lose body fat and gain a little lean muscle?

A: That is a serious workout schedule! The type of workout routine you choose should depend on your goals, free time and fitness level. Completing two workouts a day, five days a week requires a large time commitment, in addition to the day-to-day recovery of the body’s muscles and joints.

All workout routines need a purpose. There are a few questions you can ask yourself to determine if a workout routine is right for you.

1.) How much time will you realistically devote to your exercise routine? If you know your schedule will only allow you to devote one hour, four days a week to exercise, then you must first shoot for reaching that goal. You have to make time for the other priorities in your life, and your workout routine should become part of your lifestyle and not just a brief stint.

2.) Ask yourself if your body can handle the amount of exercise you’ll be asking it to do. Your body must adjust to the stresses placed on it, and not giving it enough recovery time could put you at risk for injury. Even if you’re not a beginner, slowly pace yourself while your body adjusts.

3.) What are your fitness goals, and do they require you to train frequently? You cannot decrease body fat, increase lean muscle mass and become stronger more quickly just by doing more workouts per day or per week. Remember your actual workout routine needs to support your fitness goals, which include proper progressions, consistency and positive eating habits.

4.) Is your workout routine enhancing and improving your lifestyle? If not, then modify your routine until you find a balance that keeps you fit and healthy while enjoying fun and happiness with family and friends.