How Long Should My Workouts Last?

Richard Sullivan @ age 56

Q: How Long Should My Workouts Last?  

A: One online trainer whose advice I usually think is fantastic recently stated that a workout should last no longer than one hour—with 40 minutes being “ideal.” Wait—what?

Another stated, offering no proof other than his hubristic opinion, that “your” muscles no longer respond to your workout exercises after an hour, you know,  because he’s acquainted with you personally—not.

My workout lasts two hours or more, because I really like working out. I love all the benefits. It zaps away daily stresses. I think of nothing else but the workout during those 2 hours. Whatever was bothering me when I walked into the gym is no longer bothering me when I walk out. Even on the cusp of age 70 I build new muscle and bone. That feels good and looks good and is literally anti-aging, as most people at age 70 are deteriorating, especially their muscle and bone, totally needlessly. I can’t stop the aging process but I can stop certain aspects of it. Lastly, nobody, even those offering “scientific proof” ever infuence me when my own personal experience tells me they don’t know what they’re talking about.

So, my advice to you is work out as long as you feel like. Slow down your workout so as to make every rep a deliberate mindful movement, concentrating as much on the negative portion of the exercise as the positive. People who think a workout is something to zoom through just get it out of the way will find their results minimal.

You get out of it what you put into it.