AboutJohn Izzo Expertise I can help answer any questions related to muscle development, muscle activation, fat loss, core strength, balance, spinal stability, warm-up, and proper exercise progression and execution. Most answers can be found on my website: www.standAPARTfitness.com
Please do not ask for a specific workout plan. In this field, I need to SEE you and evaluate your current physical capabilities. Answering such questions without assessing your needs and goals through a consultation would be irresponsible of me. Please be clear and concise in your questions. The more info you can give me, the more specific info I can provide.
Experience John is certified as a personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise (ACE), National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM), National Endurance Sports Trainer Association (NESTA), and the American Fitness Professionals & Associates (AFPA). He has helped countless clients lose fat, build muscle, and improve their performance through his exercise programming and potent motivational techniques. Most of all, John continues to further his knowledge by staying abreast on fitness trends and research by attending continuing education seminars and interacting with some of the brightest minds in the business.
John's articles have been featured in Fitness Management publication, www.PTontheNet.com, www.EzineArticles.com, www.WannaBeBig.com, www.StrengthCoach.com, and www.standAPARTfitness.com.
Expert: John Izzo Date: 12/13/2007 Subject: low intensity lifts-reg
Question How many days a week do I need to lift weights, if I work out only for 20 minutes? I'm not interested in bulky muscles, but only basic toning of the body and the abs. So I do basic exercises like bench press & overhead press for 15 mins, followed by ab exercises for another 10-15 minutes. I'm controlling my diet and I walk half an hour daily.
Considering my goal mentioned above, if I want to stick to only basic low intensity lifting, and if I do not want to increase the time spent in lifting weights, how many days a week should I lift? Currently I do it for 6 days a week. I suppose the 3 day workout is for who are heavily into weight training.
Kindly advice.
Answer If your goal is to basically stay in shape with some muscle tone, I suggest you lift 3-4 days. The only factor unknown here is level of intensity. Your workout can last 20 minutes, but it is important that you maintain a level of intensity that will elicit a response in muscle stimulation. Ways you can increase or maintain high intensity:
1.) Short rest periods
2.) Super-setting
3.) Drop sets
4.) HIIT (cardio)
lastly, keep the diet clean. If so, you should be fine. Hope this helps.
