What is the right amount of time, then? How do we avoid overtraining? In fact, what ensures good results in a training session is the release of hormones that will burn fat and build muscle. When studying how the body works during strenuous exercise, we realize that these hormones are released during the first 60 minuteson average, although this can vary depending on the individual. After 60 minutes, there are no more hormones to maintain fat burning and muscle formation and, also, the glycogen stocks (muscle energy) are empty. This all means “we don’t have more juice” to continue.

A “good” muscular training session (excluding cardio) should last for a maximum of 60 minutes. In fact we can even compare it to a boxing or judo match: it is during the first round that the difference occurs. It is similar to training: to enjoy it at the maximum, it is better to give your maximum for a short time (40-50 minutes, for example), in order to fully benefit from the capabilities of your body and its hormones, rather than going to long and losing intensity and effectiveness.

The longest workouts are not necessarily the best. I hope that this information will be useful to you and help you adjust your trainings. Overtraining risk exists: therefore, favour short and intense sessions instead of sessions that never end!