[B]Hello to all, I am a newbie who has been lurking and reading the messages here. Y'all are an inspiration! I have started back at the gym, about 6 weeks ago. I go 5-6 days a week, and work out 2-3 hours, depending. I lift weights every other day, but daily do cardio on the elliptical or treadmill, then take either kickboxing/sculpting , and yoga/pilates, then add on swimming 2-3 times a week. So far I feel great, only sore enough so that it feels good, and I am loosing weight. My question, is this dangerous for someone to go daily and work out ? I find alot of articles and posts about how much people should excercise, but none on "avoid too much excercise". I wonder if anyone has input, perhaps some of you out there do the same as I do and have done great with it, or, not. I am almost 38, a little less then 40 lbs overweight , non smoker, mom of 3. I am my own motivator, that's why finding this group has been SO awesome for me! I am not alone!! Any input from either fanatics like myself, or ones who advise against this? Thanks kindly,
be well,
Paloma

It is possible to overtrain, and you'll get symptoms like chronic soreness, fatigue, and a strong disinterest in continuing to work out. It is easier to avoid overtraining than to recover from it. But there is no reason working out every day will necessarily bring it on. Just kind of depends on your current level of fitness and your particular physiology. If you're feeling good about your amount of exercise, I'd just keep going. Be aware of overtraining symptoms and if you experience them, back off a little.

There are some wonderful personal trainers floating around on these boards. They may have more specific advice for you.

Anne

I worry about the same thing sometimes but like you said, I never am too sore etc. I wonder if once we lose all the weight we'll have to maintain a 2-hr daily gym habit though. I've heard it's good to change it up and have rest days every so often so on Sundays when my gym isn't open I usually just do pilates for some flexibility work. It's frustrating to work out so hard but then my friend had to cut back to just doing Curves 3 times a week because she was losing weight TOO FAST.

It IS important to have one sacred rest day per week, that will help in avoiding overtraining if you are doing OK otherwise. And, it's also important to make sure you are eating enough calories to support all that activity. If you hit a plateau or you find yourself ravenously hungry, you might add a few hundred calories to your day, especially some protein, and see if that helps. But, as long as you are happy with your results, not overly tired, still losing weight, etc. ... go for it.

Thanks for the input y'all! I figured that as long as I haven't pulled anything, and am not too sore, it should be allright, but you never know. Aside from the fact that there is the possibility of overtraining, i am wondering if the extra hour at the gym is worth it. For instance, I'm loosing weight, but, if I just did 2 hours at the gym, would i loose more weight, or is it the same. I always push myself a little more thinking, well, if i burn more calories, cool! But if your body stops burning a certain amount after a certain amount of time, perhaps an extra hour is in vain. But this morning I felt it all come together, I tried on two differant pair of pants, and they were both loose!! loose enough to sag!!! I ended up putting on a jeans skirt, that I haven't worn in so long....I am just giddy. I really do have control over my body, what a high! I still have a LONG way to go, but , it's working.
be well y'all,
Paloma