Is working out 5 days a week overtraining?

Author: Sylvan Marks MD  |  Last update: Friday, November 7, 2025

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 exercising 5 days a week too much?

Yes, working out 5-6 times a week is generally considered safe and beneficial for overall health and fitness, as long as you allow adequate recovery time and follow a balanced exercise routine. It's important to consult with a doctor before starting a new workout routine and adjust frequency and intensity as needed.

Is 5 times a week overtraining?

Hitting each body part 5 times a week, with less than 48 hours rest before training a particular muscle group again, is overtraining. Doing 50--75 hard sets (not including warm-ups or abs) per week is good. Doing 120 sets a week is overtraining.

What are signs of over exercising?

Here are some symptoms of too much exercise:
  • Being unable to perform at the same level.
  • Needing longer periods of rest.
  • Feeling tired.
  • Being depressed.
  • Having mood swings or irritability.
  • Having trouble sleeping.
  • Feeling sore muscles or heavy limbs.
  • Getting overuse injuries.

How to workout 5 days a week without overtraining?

Avoid overtraining when strength training:
  1. Work different muscles each day to allow muscles time to heal and grow.
  2. Add 1-3 rest days into your workout routine per week. ...
  3. When lifting light weights, you can do more reps. ...
  4. Only max out on weights once a week.

The Optimal Number of Times to Work Out a Body Part Each Week

How do I tell if I'm overtraining?

Training-related signs of overtraining
  1. Unusual muscle soreness after a workout, which persists with continued training.
  2. Inability to train or compete at a previously manageable level.
  3. "Heavy" leg muscles, even at lower exercise intensities.
  4. Delays in recovery from training.
  5. Performance plateaus or declines.

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.

Is 2 hours of exercise a day too much?

Researchers found that the amount of exercise you get has a direct dose relationship to your heart health — the more you get, the healthier your heart will be — and they suggest two full hours a day of moderate exercise should be the new goal.

What is the proper number of time days to exercise?

Get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both, preferably spread throughout the week. Add moderate- to high-intensity muscle-strengthening activity (such as resistance or weights) on at least 2 days per week.

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

Overtraining can eventually lead to a drop in performance. To balance rest and training, follow the 5:2 rule: plan 5 varied sessions each week and choose your 2 rest days wisely. Find out how to get the most out of your training sessions with this rule.

Do you need to lift heavy to build muscle?

“You can lift lighter weights, and as long as you lift them with a high degree of effort, they're as good as heavier weights in making you bigger,” he says. Using a home gym machine or even just your own body weight, like with push-ups or lunges, works.

How many rest days to avoid overtraining?

It's generally a good idea to take at least one to two rest days a week, Ash says. But there are some personal factors that come into play when determining the perfect amount of rest for you, including: Your typical fitness routine and workout goals. Your level of training.

Is working out 5 days a week considered very active?

Types of activity levels

Very Active — You work a consistently physically demanding job, such as an agricultural worker, or you work a desk job and engage in intense exercise for 1 hour per day or moderate exercise for 2 hours per day, 5-7 times per week.

What are the symptoms of over exercising your heart?

Common signs of cardiac problems during exercise

A person may feel constant fatigue, tiredness, chest discomfort, heaviness, or profuse sweating during or after exercise. These could be indicators of a likely heart attack and should not be ignored.

Is working out 30 minutes a day 5 days a week enough?

As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day. If you want to lose weight, keep off lost weight or meet specific fitness goals, you may need to exercise more. Cutting down on sitting time is important, too.

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 lifting 5 days a week too much?

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.

What exercise destroys belly fat?

Aerobic exercise includes any activity that raises your heart rate such as walking, dancing, running or swimming. This can also include doing housework, gardening and playing with your children. Other types of exercise such as strength training, Pilates and yoga can also help you lose belly fat.

Why have I gained 10 pounds since working out?

Muscle is denser (meaning a lot less fluffy) than fat, says Dr. Calabrese. Put another way, 10 pounds of muscle takes up a lot less space than 10 pounds of fat. So, as you start working out regularly and building strength, the new muscle you build may eventually weigh more than the fat you've burnt off.

How do I know if I overtrain?

(1) A plateau or decline in workout performance or progress. (2) A perception of increased exertion during “normal” or “easy” workouts. (3) Excessive sweating or overheating. (4) Unusual feelings of heaviness, stiffness, or soreness in muscles.

Is it OK to do nothing on rest days?

Gym rest days should be all about rest and recovery. This rest and recovery can be active though. You don't have to be sitting around doing nothing, twiddling your thumbs, waiting for your next workout to come around.

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.

Will I gain weight if I skip a day of exercise?

However, skipping a workout here and there typically doesn't cause weight gain, and taking regular rest days is healthy for muscle recovery and preventing injury.

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