I've worked out twice a day before and do so on occasion. The reason I do it is primarily because I just feel like it but others actually workout twice in the same day for a purpose. Various reasons could include training for a specific sport or as a way to make use of an odd school or work schedule.
Benefits of Exercising Twice a Day
- Shorter workouts
- Faster results
- Better sleep
- Boost in metabolism
- More focus on your exercises
- Increased energy in the morning and evening
- Get more recovery days
There are some things to consider before attempting to exercise twice a day. When splitting up your workouts, it helps to do cardio first thing in the morning and keep resistance training for your afternoon or evening workouts. Since the average time of exercise is one hour, you can do thirty minutes of exercise for each workout.
Since you're working out more in one day with more intensity, that also means you'll probably be eating more as well. It's important to fuel your body with healthy foods and not junk that will ruin all of your efforts. Recovery time is also essential. Take a full rest day in between your workouts.
Working out this way should get you some quick results so long as you keep your intensity levels up and are eating healthy.
Are you currently working out this way or considering it?
Resources:
Benefits of Working Out Twice a Day
Two-A-Day Training
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
When doing ’2-a-Days’ or two workouts a day just make sure to not over train yourself. Over training could leave you open to injury and it will be coutner productive.
Good point Jamie. Over training is very possible with these types of workouts.
Doing 2 workouts a day can be a very powerful way to train your body. However, just make sure you give yourself enough time to recover. Recovery is also key in the process of a workout regimen.
I agree. From what I’ve read about the topic, recovery time is extremely important.
I think there is nothing wrong with working out twice a day. But there a some points you need to consider:
First of all you need to have experience and be consistent with your workout. I definitely don’t recommend “2-a-day workout” for inexperienced people, who just started working out.
The next essential part is to bring in variety in your training. Don’t do always the same.
Of course it depends on your goals.
Examples: Train cardio in one training session and train your muscles in the second session – or maybe train your biceps in the morning and your triceps in the evening.
And most importantly, mentioned above is recovery. Sometimes it’s better to take a day of, then over do it.
I’m with you on the Two-A-Days. They are definitely not for people who haven’t worked out in a long time.
I am a fan of splitting your workouts throuoghout the day. One good way to keep things fresh is to choose a different body part area each time. So for instance in the am you may want to do a leg circuit, squats, lunges, step ups…and then later in the day go for something unrelated to the legs so they rest. Maybe back or chest. Of course, make sure you fuel your body properly and I would say not to train this way everyday but it can be a good shake up to your normal routine.