Benefits from Splitting Daily Workout into 2 Sessions

by Answer is Fitness on August 13, 2010

This blog post is for those who are frustrated by the sense of not enough block time to achieve a thorough work out. To those we ask, have you considered working out twice a day? Bear with us.....read on. There are clear benefits for some of you Answer is Fitness members out there.

There are studies that suggest that two short intense workouts demand more energy than one long workout. This makes sense when you consider the benefit of recovery that affords the second "half" of your workout to engage fresh vice "tiring" muscles. Of course you must consider two sets of warm-up periods, so this training method may favor those who warm up very efficiently. But the bottom line is this. If you are not fully fulfilled by your current work out routine due to time constraints, why not try breaking them up?

Here are the reported physical and psychological benefits of split-workouts:

Shorter workouts--a sense of accomplishment not once, but twice a day.

Faster results--Chances are you will slightly more time in two-a-day formats.

Better sleep--this goes with that sense of accomplishment. You just may psychologically sense a stronger commitment to fitness.

Boost in metabolism--The process of heating your body positively effects metabolism.

Increased energy in the morning and evening--Raising your heart rate is a great wake up.

When splitting up your workouts, consider prioritizing cardiovascular training first and resistance training second. It just makes sense to get max blood flow going early and to catapult you into the day fully mentally charged. Most will find split workouts require more energy, so consider new demands that this approach may place on your diet. Honestly assess the daily adjustment in intensity and consider the effect on recovery time...adjust as necessary.

We're not advocating two-a-days as a superior alternative to one-a-days. We are surprised, however, when discussing the option of two-a-days, how many people respond that they simply had never given it consideration. For some of you, it might make perfect sense.