Is it Recommended to Work Out Twice as Much in a Day to Achieve Results Faster?

Losing weight and achieving a nice body is never easy even if you just need to lose 5 to 10 pounds. I'm pretty sure most would agree that if there's a faster but safe way to lose those extra pounds then we'd probably do it. We'll most likely do anything and everything we can just to shed the excess weight. I've thought about this lately but what if I work out at least twice a day? Basically, I'll do in one day what I'm supposed to do in 2 days off of my workout program. I've thought about it and sought opinions from different people. In the end, I did it. Let me share my experience and of course, the results.

I reached the plateau lately which means that as much as I try to work out, my weight isn't changing. It remained the same for about 3 months so I needed something new. I changed my workout and I literally combined 4 different programs and I spread them out in my modified program. So I immediately though, what if I do a workout at least 2 days worth in just a single day? I asked a personal trainer first.

I went to a well-known gym here in Manila and was able to talk to a personal trainer. He said that he works out 2 hours a day. It sounds promising since my workout program consists of routines that last an average of 1 hour a day. He gave me one practical advice and that's not to deprive myself of food. Come to think of it, I can't work out effectively if I don't have energy.

Next, I had to ask my cardiologist about it. I have essential hypertension which is usually caused by high cholesterol levels. However, since I am constantly exercising and I'm not gobbling up as many foods as I did when I was severely obese, my cholesterol levels are controlled with the help of medicine. He said that it's fine as long as I don't work out too much and I should eat well and have enough rest. I just need to reach my goal and then maintain it from there.

So I did it. I was able to work out 2 days worth in a single day even up to now. I eat more than what I usually eat and added more carbohydrates coupled with protein and fiber. I try to distribute the workout throughout the day so that it won't be too tough. It's not that hard. It is really important though that you sleep adequately to help you recharge.

Now you're probably wondering about my results. I lost a couple of inches in just 2 weeks. I lost only 5 pounds but my muscles have grown considerably. I went down from a 38-inch waistline to 35. My arms got bigger by an inch. My love handles are much smaller now and I don't have to wear pants as high as my navel anymore. I have 2 of my abs already showing and I feel energetic and eager to work out more. I just try not to overdo it especially when I'm tired from doing something else. But again, the results show.

Well, it really depends on you and your situation. If you really can't do it, especially if you have a medical condition, or if you're just starting out, then I would most likely do not recommend working out more than once a day. It may have worked for me but it doesn't necessarily mean it will work for you as well. I suggest you do the same thing as I did. Talk to a personal trainer and most especially a physician to see if it is really recommended for you to push yourself further.

Sources:
Dr. Johnny T. Shia M.D., Internal Medicine - Cardiologist
St. Luke's Medical Center, Philippines

Ben - Personal Trainer
Fitness First, Trinoma Mall