Question 1

Is a 6-day workout split too much?

Accepted Answer

A 6-day workout split is too much for the average person if they don’t allow enough rest and recovery time. Even when you’re cross-training, it’s important to have at least two rest days per week. This allows your muscles and body to repair and rebuild, which is essential for progress (17).

However, if you’re an experienced athlete or have specific fitness goals that require more training, a 6-day workout split can be manageable and beneficial. Just make sure you listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

It’s also important to note that the quality of your workouts is more important than the quantity. You don’t want to sacrifice proper form and technique just to get in more reps or sets. Focus on challenging yourself with each workout, but always prioritize safety and injury prevention. The last thing you want is to injure yourself and ultimately lose all of the progress you made.

Question 2

Is lifting 6 days a week too much?

Accepted Answer

Lifting 6 days a week can be a great way to achieve your fitness goals, but it’s not necessary for everyone.

There are some important factors you should consider before committing to lifting 6 days a week:

Benefits of Lifting 6 Days a Week

There are several benefits to lifting 6 days a week:

Increased muscle growth: By working out more frequently, you’re providing your muscles with more stimulus for growth (19).
Improved strength: Consistently challenging your muscles with frequent workouts can lead to improved strength and performance (19).
Better mind-muscle connection: The more often you train, the better you become at connecting with your muscles and performing exercises with proper form (19).
Faster progress: With 6 days of training, you have more opportunities to work on different muscle groups and see results faster (19).

Things to Consider Before Lifting 6 Days a Week

While there are benefits to lifting 6 days a week, it may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some important factors to consider before committing to this intense training schedule:

Recovery time: Adequate rest and recovery are essential for muscle growth. If you don’t allow your muscles enough time to rest and repair, this can lead to overtraining and potential injuries (17).
Personal goals: Your individual fitness goals should dictate the frequency of your workouts. If your goal is general fitness and overall health, 6 days a week may not be necessary or sustainable in the long term.
Listen to your body: Pay attention to any signs of fatigue or injury. If you feel constantly exhausted or experience persistent pain, this may be a sign that your body needs more rest.

Tips for Training 6 Days a Week

If you’ve decided that lifting 6 days a week is right for you, here are some tips to ensure you do it safely and effectively:

Follow proper programming: It’s important to have a well-structured training program that includes rest days and exercises that target different muscle groups on different days.
Prioritize recovery: Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and incorporate rest days or active recovery activities such as yoga or mobility work.
Avoid overtraining: If you feel your body is struggling to keep up with the intense training schedule, don’t be afraid to scale back. It’s better to take an extra rest day than risk injury or burnout.

Does training 6 days a week seem too daunting? We’ve discussed a simpler plan in our The Best 4-Day Workout Split To Help Build Muscle article.

Question 3

Do bodybuilders train 6 days a week?

Accepted Answer

Bodybuilders often train 6 days a week as bodybuilding is a competitive sport that requires intense training and dedication to achieve the desired muscle mass and definition.

However, bodybuilders also incorporate periodization into their training, which includes phases of higher frequency and volume followed by rest periods. This allows for optimal muscle growth and prevents plateauing.

They often have the guidance of a coach or trainer to ensure they’re training safely and effectively. Ultimately, the frequency of bodybuilding training will depend on an individual’s goals, experience level, and physical capabilities.

Please remember that bodybuilders are elite athletes. Training like a bodybuilder can be a great way to build muscle, but this is by no means a requirement to gain strength. Most people don’t need to train like this and should focus more so on functional movement patterns. Once again, it comes down to your individual goals. Are you hoping to win a bodybuilding competition or are you hoping to become more active than you currently are?

Strength Training