If you’re starting your fitness journey for the first time or simply beginning to work out again, you may have a few questions regarding a workout routine. This issue is very common and one that you can either get very right or very wrong. Therefore, it is incredibly important to research your options before starting any type of exercise program. One thing you’re going to have to decide is whether you should work out longer or harder. Read on to learn some important information regarding these two methods, including what the experts say is your best option.
Why Longer Workouts Don’t Work
When it comes to longer workouts, there is often a misconception that they should never ever be done throughout the process. However, this should not be the case if you are a complete beginner to working out. Going hard right off the bat can lead to extreme fatigue, soreness, and even injury. This usually ends with people quitting before they even started on their programs, and then the debate isn’t about longer or hard workouts anymore. It’s simply about getting yourself into the gym.
Now, this phase of your workout routine should not be kept for the duration of the program. Instead, take a week or two to do things right. Practice the movements slowly and carefully, learn how to breathe and essentially become more aware of your body. This usually means implementing the longer workout method. Once you’re confident that your body is strong enough to handle more intense workouts, then don’t use the less intense ones anymore. The reason for this is your body gets used to these activities rather easily, sending you into a quick plateau.
Why a Harder Workout Is Better
The body can adapt to certain movements rather quickly, especially if they aren’t too strenuous. This is why some people who walk long distances each day don’t really have much issue in terms of fatigue. However, we’re not looking to simply increase stamina but an overall change to our bodies. Harder workouts push and force the body to change, to lose fat, and to grow muscle. Harder workouts usually consist of weight training rather than cardio, and for an important reason, they burn much more calories.
Unlike cardio, weight training not only burns calories during the workout but afterward as well. Harder workouts therefore provide you with many more benefits as they allow you to keep burning fat and build muscle even hours after you’ve left the gym.
