It depends. Your ideal gym routine will be shaped by your daily life, your goals, and your priorities.
It’s easy to recommend training 4–5+ times a week without fail—it’s a great benchmark for those who have the time and drive. But let’s be real: it’s just as easy to say, “I don’t have time to work out today.” The truth is, for most of us, it’s not a lack of time—it’s a shift in priorities. Time management is really about deciding what matters most.
When Aaron and I first met, we trained a lot—6 to 8 sessions a week. I balanced fitness training with intense Tae Kwon Do practice because my goal was to win titles. Aaron was fully immersed in CrossFit, training multiple times a day to become the fittest in his box, county, and beyond. Our lives revolved around work and training, and we loved it.
Fast forward 11 years, and things look very different. We now have a family, a home, a thriving business, and two incredible boys who mean the world to us. Our training has adapted to fit our priorities: I aim to work out three times a week and squeeze in one Tae Kwon Do class when I can (though those are hit and miss!). Aaron still trains about 6 days a week, but once a day is plenty. His goal is to not be dependant on anyone else to take care of him in the future and to stay fitter and stronger than our boys for as long as possible, while mine is to build as much strength as possible—knowing that maintaining it will only get harder over time.
Like any parents, we also navigate life’s unpredictability. A sleepless night or a sick child can throw off our plans, and that’s okay. Flexibility is key.
So, How Often Should You Work Out?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. From experience, we’ve found that working out three times a week strikes a great balance for consistent results. If your schedule only allows for two sessions a week but you stay active in other ways, you’ll still see progress—it might just take a little longer.
We’ve also noticed a common trait among our most consistent gym-goers: many of them train at 6 am or 7 am. Why? These early risers make fitness a non-negotiable part of their day. Their alarms go off, they show up, and they get it done—before work, traffic, or fatigue have a chance to derail their plans.
How to Decide What’s Right for You
To figure out your ideal gym routine, start by answering these three questions:
- When can you realistically make time to work out and commit to it as a non-negotiable?
- What are your fitness goals?
- How quickly do you want to achieve them?
Once you know the answers, you’ll have a clearer idea of how often you should train. If you’re unsure or need guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you get fitter, stronger, and closer to your goals.
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