In the realm of fitness, the notion that longer workouts inevitably lead to better results has been
ingrained in many of our minds. Yet, as we delve deeper into the science of exercise and
explore the nuances of training, it becomes clear that this belief is not always founded on truth.
Let’s unpack this myth and uncover why longer workouts don’t necessarily equate to superior
outcomes.
- Quality Over Quantity:
It’s not the duration of your workout that matters most, but rather the quality of the sets and
reps you complete. Focusing on proper intensity, form, and volume can yield better results in a
shorter timeframe than aimlessly extending your workout with junk volume and movements that
are not specific or directed towards your goals. Junk volume refers to any training you do that
takes up time and energy but has no additional benefit in terms of muscle strength or work
capacity. gain. Always ensure that the movements you select are geared towards your goal! - Prioritize Correctly
Prioritize training methods that get the best “bang for your buck.” For example, if my goal
is to lose body fat and maintain muscle I would prioritize strength training rather than intense
cardio. Cardio that generates a lot of fatigue (like running) could be substituted for low impact
cardio (like walking) which would increase energy expenditure and not interfere with strength
workouts. Similarly, if my goal is to run a half marathon, the majority of my training sessions
should be running. Strength training would be supplementary to support muscle and joint health. - Diminishing Returns:
There’s a point of diminishing returns when it comes to exercise duration. Pushing yourself
beyond what your body can effectively handle can lead to generating too much fatigue and an
increased risk of injury. High levels of fatigue from an individual workout can impact your ability
to train well the rest of the week and could delay your progress. - Time-Efficiency:
Shorter, more focused workouts can be highly effective – especially when we put away our
distractions. How often have you checked Instagram or responded to texts in the middle of a
training session? Put away distractions, block off the time in your calendar, and dial in your
focus to save time. - Lifestyle Considerations:
Longer workouts may not be feasible for everyone, especially those with busy schedules or
other commitments. Opting for shorter, more efficient workouts allows you to prioritize fitness
without sacrificing other aspects of your life. This might mean adding in supersets to get in more
volume in a shorter time frame, or perhaps focusing on compound lifts that use multiple muscle
groups at one time. - Consistency Is Key:
Consistency in your workouts trumps duration. Rather than focusing on fitting in long workouts
which might be harder to consistently complete, aim for regular, shorter exercise sessions that
you can reasonably sustain over time. It’s the cumulative effect of consistent effort that leads to
lasting results. Adherence to the plan is the most important piece to achieve your goal.
We recommend prioritizing quality over quantity, embracing time-efficient training methods,
and recognizing the importance of rest and recovery. You can achieve remarkable results even
if you do not have lots of time. Remember, the key to success lies not in how long you work out,
but in how effectively you train and how consistently you show up. Let go of the notion that
longer is always better! If you are not sure where to start – reach out to us! We would love to
help you prioritize the correct training methods even if you are short on time.