Is lifting 5 days a week too much?

Author: Prof. Corine Johnson  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 13, 2026

It's not necessary to lift weights every day, and if you do, you increase your risk for overuse injuries and overtraining syndrome. For most people, strength training two to three times a week is sufficient, but if you prefer to split training different muscle groups, then you can train up to five days a week.

Is it bad to lift 5 times a week?

Incorporating weight lifting into your fitness routine offers a range of benefits for both physical and mental well-being. Engaging in weightlifting 4-5 times a week can be safe for the heart and body, provided that it is done with proper technique, appropriate intensity, and consideration of individual health factors.

Is working out 5 days a week too much to build muscle?

There's nothing wrong with training 5-6 days a week, if your program is properly designed for it. Bodybuilders do body part splits, powerlifters base theirs around the big three and assistance exercises, and Olympic lifters hone their skills day in and day out.

Is 5 days a week overtraining?

Working out 7 days a week is not good for your body because it can lead to overtraining. Overtraining is a condition caused by working out more than your body can handle, which leads to fatigue and injury. To avoid overtraining, you should only work out five days a week with at least one day of rest between workouts.

Can I workout 5 days a week and rest on weekends?

Provided you're not continually working out the same muscles, 5 days a week is fine but taking Thursday off instead of Saturday would be better.

What happens when you lift weights 5x per week? *4 week results*

How do you know if you're overtraining?

When you're trying to tell if you're dealing with overtraining, consider these common symptoms:
  • Your Performance Declines. The hallmark sign of overtraining, Dr. ...
  • Fatigue and Soreness Ramp Up. ...
  • You Get Sick or Injured More Easily. ...
  • Sleeping Gets Harder. ...
  • Your Mood Changes. ...
  • Other Physical Symptoms Pop Up.

Is it OK to only workout 5 days a week?

It's generally advised to exercise five days per week. How often you should work out can depend on your available time and fitness level.

How do I know if I'm exercising too much?

The signs of overexercising and overtraining

Increased heart rate. Not feeling as strong. Lacking physical performance. Difficulty reaching fitness goals.

Is it okay to lift weights every day?

Doing the same strength workout every day

When you lift heavy weights, your muscles actually tear a little. Taking a day off between workouts gives those taxed muscles time to recover and allows your body to flush out products like lactic acid that build up while lifting.

Do you actually need rest days?

The benefits of rest days include: Better mental and physical health: Taking a break is as important for your mental health as it is for your body. Fewer injuries: Giving your body time to rest and recuperate helps you avoid injury.

Which muscle grows the fastest?

Muscle Groups That Grow Fast
  • Leg Muscles (Quadriceps and Hamstrings):
  • Back Muscles (Latissimus Dorsi and Trapezius):
  • Chest Muscles (Pectoralis Major):
  • Shoulder Muscles (Deltoids):
  • Arm Muscles (Biceps and Triceps):

Do muscles grow on rest days?

Downtime between workouts (whether you're lifting, doing cardio or training for a sport) is when our bodies have a chance to actually build muscle. Strenuous workouts cause muscle breakdown, while rest allows our bodies to build it back up.

Why am I not losing weight going to the gym 5 days a week?

You may not be maintaining a calorie deficit or you could be doing too much of one type of exercise. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you are feeling stuck and need help developing a more effective weight loss plan. They can help determine the reason for your plateau and help you get back on track.

How much is too much lifting?

Weightlifting that exceeds two hours or four sessions per week has been associated with reduced benefits and a potentially shorter life. Overtraining can reduce performance, increase your risk of injury, and weaken your immune response.

Can I do push ups every day?

Doing push ups every day is good for building upper body muscles and even strengthening your core, back, and lower extremities. You can start with 10 push ups a day and then work up to doing 50 or 100 push ups everyday. Breaking them up into smaller sets throughout the day can make it easier to start as well.

Can I lift weights every day if I'm not sore?

Absolutely! The relation between soreness and a good workout depends on the goal of that workout and your overall goal of training. Extensive training history combined with proper hydration, nutrition, and recovery are all reasons why a training stimulus may be a great workout, but you may not feel sore.

What are the symptoms of overtraining?

Symptoms and warning signs of overtraining
  • Unusual muscle soreness after a workout, which persists with continued training.
  • Inability to train or compete at a previously manageable level.
  • "Heavy" leg muscles, even at lower exercise intensities.
  • Delays in recovery from training.
  • Performance plateaus or declines.

What happens if you lift weights but don't eat enough protein?

Lifting and doing strength training without adequate nutrition, especially without enough protein, can actually lead to loss of muscle tissue. Furthermore, if you aren't eating right you won't have the energy to do the workouts that lead to muscle gain.

How much training is overtraining?

Unfortunately, there's no concrete answer to that question. For most people, the answer is… less. If you're training six or seven times per week but you're not training for a specific sport, event or competition, chances are you're overtraining.

Is going to the gym 5 days a week excessive?

Research suggests a slightly higher frequency of training for building strength training, with a minimum of three days a week required for strength gains but five days being optimal.

How many rest days to build muscle?

Experts recommend 2 to 3 rest days between strength-training workouts like lifting weights. So you can plan resistance workouts that target different muscle groups. For example, you might do upper-body exercises on Monday and lower-body exercises on Tuesday. On Wednesday, you could do a cardio workout.

Does walking count as exercise?

Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more active, lose weight and become healthier. Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier.

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