Are mini gym sessions worthwhile

[Gilliano666]

Hi all, I've been a gym goer for many years, but over the last 6 months or so I've started running twice a week and going to the gym once a week. I feel as thoughI'm losing some of my upper body strength, but I don't have much free time so was wondering if I get a spare 20 mins in the gym is it worth while going? say one night to do arms, next night shoulders, abs etc?

[healthyjoel Administrator]

I think you can do *quite a lot* in 20 mins.

If I were you I would pick two good workouts that cover your major muscle groups and alternate between them each day at 20 minutes at a time.

If it were me I would do a squats and chest superset (that is, do a set of squats then immediately do dumbbell bench press, rest 60 seconds and do it again until your 20 mins is up. Should be able to get 4-6 sets in). Next night I'd do a deadlift and seated rows superset. Like I said, alternate the two. Each week you could be getting 5 good workouts in focused on your major muscle groups.

[Gilliano666 in reply to healthyjoel]

Thanks so much for your advice. I will do just that 👍

[SilavanaM in reply to Gilliano666]

Squats will really help your running too, give more power to your legs. If you break it up into 20-minute mini-sessions, you may even get in more exercise. I did that when my schedule changed and I couldn't get to yoga. I ended up doing more yoga on my own than if I had gone to class. Of course, the good thing about yoga is you can do it anywhere and you don't need any equipment.

[Gilliano666 in reply to SilavanaM]

Thanks for your reply. I'm pleased to find out it will be worthwile to sneak little 20 mins in whenever I can't commit to a full hour. I would love to do yoga but never tried it and don't think I would be any good at it. I love the way it benefits the mind and body at the same time x

[healthyjoel Administrator in reply to Gilliano666]

Woo hoo!