How Much Gym is Too Much?

JupiterKid

I have an acquaintance who a few years ago was pretty overweight with heart and back issues. He was urged by his doctor to cut down on high calorie food and to excersise more. He put on a lot of weight after his partner died suddenly, only in his 40s, of a massive heart attack. As you can imagine he was devastated.

Fast forward to 5 years later and he is now in really great shape, has lost all the excess weight and has toned up. He posts a lot of pics of his new "gym body" on his FB page.

We were chatting via messenger earlier today and he told me he is going to the gym twice daily, 6 days a week. He is doing a cardio, weight and core exercise programne.

In contrast, I swim 4 times a week, go for long walks twice a week, cycle short distances in good weather and do the odd bit of wall climbing. It keeps me in shape.

I'm a bit worried for him. Could he be overdoing it?

Uncharted

JupiterKid wrote: »

I have an acquaintance who a few years ago was pretty overweight with heart and back issues. He was urged by his doctor to cut down on high calorie food and to excersise more. He put on a lot of weight after his partner died suddenly, only in his 40s, of a massive heart attack. As you can imagine he was devestated.

Fast forward to 5 years latrd and he is now in really great shape, has lost all the excess weight and has toned up. He posts a lot of pics of his new "gym body" on his FB page.

We were chatting via messenger earlier today and he told me he is going to the gym twice daily, 6 days a week. He is doing a cardio, weight and core exercise programne.

In contrast, I swim 4 times a week, go for long walks twise a week, cycle short distance in good weather and do the odd bit of wall climbing. It keeps me in shape.

I'm a bit worried for him. Could he be overdoing it?

Fitness >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Esse85

12 sessions a week is a bit excessive if he's not a full time professional athlete.

GRACKEA

Everyone is different. I tried a mix of gym and running 5 days a week and found myself exhausted, while others could do that easily and more. Loads of it would depend on nutrition/sleep too, maybe he has them both on point. I'd say leave it up to him/his doctor to decide when he's overdoing it.

beejee

Sounds like a personality trait more than anything.

He'll be swapping too many crunches for too many crunchies again soon

EmmetSpiceland

Sounds like he’s going “whey” too much!

Any gym is too much gym. One swim we week maybe two and that’s about all I do, have to really force myself to do that.

I have about a million things I’d rather be doing than the gym/any sort of training or fitness stuff.

One eyed Jack

JupiterKid wrote: »

I'm a bit worried for him. Could he be overdoing it?

He could be, but there’s no way of knowing whether he is or not for certain unless there was details of his diet and exercise regimen. It doesn’t sound at least like he’s overdoing it, he’s got something that motivates him and that’s incredible.

Wouldn’t be my thing though but my brother is a competitive body builder and he looks like a freak tbh. It’s his mental health I’d be more considerate of than just his physical health and fitness which sound like he’s doing well. It can become compulsive though to the detriment of his mental health.

BeerWolf

Sounds like a clueless fool. Your muscles need rest to build up on, doing it everyday is absolutely pointless. 3 times, 4 days tops, per week is more than enough with the correct regiment.

Or perhaps he's doing it excessively to keep his mind off things...

Homelander

No, he's not overdoing it, to put it simply. Classic envy mindset, guy makes a massive effort to stay in athletic shape and you're questioning him as if he's gone off the deep end.

The fact that he has a day off shows he's dedicated to a routine while recognising the need for down time.

Homelander

BeerWolf wrote: »

Sounds like a clueless fool. Your muscles need rest to build up on, doing it everyday is absolutely pointless. 3 times, 4 days tops, per week is more than enough with the correct regiment.

If you're doing a mix of cardio and weights, 6 days sounds reasonable, assume the guy is targetting muscle groups specifically.



Sounds like he knows completely what he's doing.

wakka12

You should really be having a few rest days a week. For me personally any more than 4 (90minute )gym sessions per week feels like Im beginning to live in the gym and it just gets unenjoyable. Does that guy not have a job?Need to cook dinner? Socialise? Yeh it definitely seems excessive, but if it makes him happy then good for him. Much worse things he could be doing with his time, of course

The guidelines for exercise in order to lower risk of diseases associated with sedentary behavior are generally around 75 minutes of moderate cardio(for example jogging), 75 mins of relaxed movement (something like a brisk walk) and two hours of weight resistance per week. Its less than most people would think. So thats what everyone should aim for and anything more is just personal preference and what you can fit in to your schedule

c.p.w.g.w

Blaine Ambitious Chessboard wrote: »

Any gym is too much gym. One swim we week maybe two and that’s about all I do, have to really force myself to do that.

I have about a million things I’d rather be doing than the gym/any sort of training or fitness stuff.

You'd be surprised that exercise can be rewarding. Our brain release chemicals during exercise that give a feeling of joy...I did a tough 2 hour session on my bike today, feel great after it mentally... physically still a bit stiff

wakka12

Blaine Ambitious Chessboard wrote: »

Any gym is too much gym. One swim we week maybe two and that’s about all I do, have to really force myself to do that.

I have about a million things I’d rather be doing than the gym/any sort of training or fitness stuff.

Yeh its tough but worth it in the long run. Keep at those two swims a week youll be happy you did it when youre old

Jupiter I wouldn't think twice a day for six days is necessarily overdoing it. Admittedly, it's 100% more than I do myself, but it's only really a problem for him if it's causing negative consequences for his life (be that anxiety, inability to form relationships, or health problems).

It's a bit like addiction (says I not being in any way qualified to speak on that subject), it's probably not necessarily a question of volume, but of adverse consequences.

How's his general health and wellbeing?

wakka12

wakka12 wrote: »

You should really be having a few rest days a week. For me personally any more than 4 (90minute )gym sessions per week feels like Im beginning to live in the gym and it just gets unenjoyable. Does that guy not have a job?Need to cook dinner? Socialise? Yeh it definitely seems excessive, but if it makes him happy then good for him. Much worse things he could be doing with his time, of course

My boss goes to the gym before and after work each day. He earns probably twice as much as I do and that makes him rich. He also has amazing teeth -- we're talking American dental-care good -- and wears his pullover draped over his shoulders with the sleeves tied in a perfect knot over his ridiculous pecs because he's the kind of guy who can pull-off that look, so in summary, my question is how do I sabotage him?

if he's not injuring himself or burnt out, more power to him

Ten of Swords

Blueshoe

He is one long term injury away from losing everything.
Mentally and physically

Homelander

Blueshoe wrote: »

He is one long term injury away from losing everything.
Mentally and physically

Yeah, he's also one number away from winning the lottery.

Woke Hogan

12 times a week is definitely overkill. He’s probably not doing any proper training at that rate, but maintaining.

Homelander

Woke Hogan wrote: »

12 times a week is definitely overkill. He’s probably not doing any proper training at that rate, but maintaining.

Two 45 minute sessions a day working in cardio and targetted weight training is not overkill at all.

Not really sure how you can contend "he's not doing any proper training".

Sounds to me like he has a strict, targetted rountine that's working well, and he's allowing himself a day off per week.

From what the OP has told us, sounds like he's doing just fine and training well.

Bobblehats

More power to him. I can only manage about 30 minutes but it’s got to be done if I’m breathing heavy enough and sweating more than my vest can even catch anymore then it’s time to clock the feck out

Blueshoe

Homelander wrote: »

Yeah, he's also one number away from winning the lottery.

Yeah. It's the exact same thing sure.

Strumms

bluewolf wrote: »

if he's not injuring himself or burnt out, more power to him

Any expert in the field of health and fitness and medical people too will tell you that’s way too much on the body. Burn out might be the least of it. That amount of exercise is going to put a mighty demand on your heart for a kickoff. Burnout or injury won’t necessarily be something that creeps up on you, it could manifest itself too in something more serious than plain old ‘tiredness’ and have a longer term detrimental effect on your health..folks need be careful.

Strumms

Strumms wrote: »

Any expert in the field of health and fitness and medical people too will tell you that’s way too much on the body. Burn out might be the least of it. That amount of exercise is going to put a mighty demand on your heart for a kickoff. Burnout or injury won’t necessarily be something that creeps up on you, it could manifest itself too in something more serious than plain old ‘tiredness’ and have a longer term detrimental effect on your health..folks need be careful.

we've no idea what he's doing. he could be doing light weights to maintain and some low impact cardio. he could be in there half an hour per session, he could be faffing around the place doing a few planks.

mikhail

12 sessions a week is a lot, but is in line with what bodybuilders do. It's not for everyone, but if it's done right (i.e. with a properly designed programme) it's okay.

harr

While 12 sounds a lot he probably isn’t working all muscle areas in every session. So probably doing cardio and abs in one workout and targeting a certain muscle group in next workout and following couple of days doing different workouts.

Homelander

Blueshoe wrote: »

Yeah. It's the exact same thing sure.

You're right, the odds of him winning the lotto are a million to one, the odds of him overtraining based on what the OP told us, are pretty much nil.

JupiterKid

Thanks for all the advice peeps. Personally I was worried that he was overdoing the gym but he does seem to be doing well and keeping himself relatively balanced.

However, this guy is just an acquaintance and not a close friend, so I don't really know how his mental health is currently and Facebook posts can't really give you a good indication as IMO a lot of people wear masks of well being on FB. I haven't met him in person in nearly a year.

He works in graphic design and has his own business.

If all this exercise and working out is good for him, more power to him. I suppose his close friends would tell him if they thought he was overdoing it.

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

You'd be surprised that exercise can be rewarding. Our brain release chemicals during exercise that give a feeling of joy...I did a tough 2 hour session on my bike today, feel great after it mentally... physically still a bit stiff

I never got that endorphin rush with exercise. It’s not universal.

That level of exercise probably isn’t too much, otherwise professional athletes would be screwed.

Woke Hogan

Homelander wrote: »

You're right, the odds of him winning the lotto are a million to one, the odds of him overtraining based on what the OP told us, are pretty much nil.

He’s going to the gym twelve times a week, the odds of him overtraining are inordinately shorter than his chances of winning the lotto.

JohnnyFlash

I went once. Didn’t care for it at all.

Woke Hogan

JohnnyFlash wrote: »

I went once. Didn’t care for it at all.

Less is often more. Three or four intense, short visits a week will bear more fruit than going to the gym twelve times a week and piddling about for an hour each time.

FTA69

There’s plenty worse things he can be doing. As someone said, if he’s doing light cardio and a sustainable bodybuilding style split he could be doing just fine and as long as he’s in good shape and injury free then fair play to him. He’s decided to prioritise his training and fitness and it’s as good a hobby as any.

Richard Hillman

I think the key part is that his partner died a few years ago. The gym seems like a coping mechanism. I suppose its better than drinking or generally self destructive tendencies.

FTA69

Blaine Ambitious Chessboard wrote: »

Any gym is too much gym. One swim we week maybe two and that’s about all I do, have to really force myself to do that.

I have about a million things I’d rather be doing than the gym/any sort of training or fitness stuff.

That’s fair enough like but if your spare time is necking unhealthy amounts of booze while doing no exercise then that’s going to take a massive toll on your body at some stage.

Health concerns aside, you’re going to end up out of shape at the very least and not everyone wants to be like that. I’ve had periods of weight gain and general unfitness and felt like utter sh*te.

Everyone should be doing some sort of exercise for their general physical health.

completedit

The gym is so bad but essential. Bad mindset to have but honestly it's so dull. Can get in the zone sometimes tho. Your friend sounds like a try hard. Would literally get same results if he did a proper routine and stopped arsing around at 6am and did a proper workout.

I see sheep

One minute

Homelander

JupiterKid wrote: »

Thanks for all the advice peeps. Personally I was worried that he was overdoing the gym but he does seem to be doing well and keeping himself relatively balanced.

However, this guy is just an acquaintance and not a close friend, so I don't really know how his mental health is currently and Facebook posts can't really give you a good indication as IMO a lot of people wear masks of well being on FB. I haven't met him in person in nearly a year.

He works in graphic design and has his own business.

If all this exercise and working out is good for him, more power to him. I suppose his close friends would tell him if they thought he was overdoing it.

Sorry, but I really can't see why you made this thread, and what it has to do with you.

Some guy you don't even know that well, is busting his ass at the gym with great results, and you're questioning his mental health and sanity?

Worry about your own life, seriously. Stupid thread.

ILoveYourVibes

JupiterKid wrote: »

We were chatting via messenger earlier today and he told me he is going to the gym twice daily, 6 days a week. He is doing a cardio, weight and core exercise programne.

In contrast, I swim 4 times a week, go for long walks twice a week, cycle short distances in good weather and do the odd bit of wall climbing. It keeps me in shape.

I'm a bit worried for him. Could he be overdoing it?

No not if he is fit enough for it. If he started off doing that no but he built up his fitness level first.

He'll be fine.

Mr. CooL ICE

Your description sounds atypical for somebody preparing for a bodybuilding show. Not somebody in their off season; he could be literally weeks out. Assuming he's got an experienced coach and a meal plan, he's not overdoing it.

Assuming that is what he's doing, if he's experienced loss, then having a singular event like a show to aim towards is as good a distraction as any. Like how a runner would sign up for a marathon as something to focus on rather than going for random runs with no specific goal in mind.

c.p.w.g.w

Obvious Desperate Breakfasts wrote: »

I never got that endorphin rush with exercise. It’s not universal.

That level of exercise probably isn’t too much, otherwise professional athletes would be screwed.

My 2 hours was me averaging 200 watts on the bike...roughly equates to 1400 kcals so its a pretty good session for a mere amateur

YFlyer

Esse85 wrote: »

12 sessions a week is a bit excessive if he's not a full time professional athlete.

No it's not. A lot of decent club runners, cyclists, swimmers or even most sports people train twice a day.

ToddyDoody

When it begins to effect your personality, its time to moderate a bit... if that makes any sense.

poisonated

I say fair play to the person who is that dedicated to something. It sounds like a lot but I don’t have any idea about how much is too much..: I try to go twice a week which is enough for me. However, I walk 10000 steps every day.

Blaizes

JupiterKid wrote: »

I have an acquaintance who a few years ago was pretty overweight with heart and back issues. He was urged by his doctor to cut down on high calorie food and to excersise more. He put on a lot of weight after his partner died suddenly, only in his 40s, of a massive heart attack. As you can imagine he was devastated.

Fast forward to 5 years later and he is now in really great shape, has lost all the excess weight and has toned up. He posts a lot of pics of his new "gym body" on his FB page.

We were chatting via messenger earlier today and he told me he is going to the gym twice daily, 6 days a week. He is doing a cardio, weight and core exercise programne.

In contrast, I swim 4 times a week, go for long walks twice a week, cycle short distances in good weather and do the odd bit of wall climbing. It keeps me in shape.

I'm a bit worried for him. Could he be overdoing it?

Family friend only 52 went on a mad regime of fitness and weight loss, became obsessed in my opinion and then suddenly dropped dead. Too much of anything is bad, this man in his forties, not a twenty year old. He sounds obsessed and as someone said maybe over compensating for other stuff. Can’t he do more gentle exercise, walking, yoga, bit of swimming combined with healthy eating. He should also monitor his blood pressure. Sorry to be so blunt but he’s doing over kill on it imo.

ILoveYourVibes

Blaizes wrote: »

Family friend only 52 went on a mad regime of fitness and weight loss, became obsessed in my opinion and then suddenly dropped dead. Too much of anything is bad, this man in his forties, not a twenty year old. He sounds obsessed and as someone said maybe over compensating for other stuff. Can’t he do more gentle exercise, walking, yoga, bit of swimming combined with healthy eating. He should also monitor his blood pressure. Sorry to be so blunt but he’s doing over kill on it imo.

And asking for random advice from strangers online who have never seen this guy is surely going to make things better.

ILoveYourVibes

I think people get jealous of the commitment others have. I would love to have the commitment your mate has.

Blaizes

ILoveYourVibes wrote: »

And asking for random advice from strangers online who have never seen this guy is surely going to make things better.

What???

ittakestwo

We don't really know what he's doing in the gym to judge. He could be doing class of yoga few of those sessions.

You can certainly do cardio 6 days a week and not be overdoing cardio. So if this 12 sessions were made up of 6 cardio workouts. 1 or 2 classes of something like Yoga and the other 4 sessions of weights that would not be over doing it.

I am training for the Dublin marathon in October so I am running 5/6 times a week. I also hit the gym 4/5 a week to do weights. So I do about 10 sessions a week of exercise but I'am no way am I over doing it. I do a lot of work from home so actually getting out to the gym and seeing familiar faces grounds me too.

Funny you should mention he is single and that gives him this time to do this exercise. Was out last night late for a run and when running home about 12.30 pm I ran past a pub were patrons were leaving and one guy shouts across ''it's great being single'' which was funny because it's true.