Less is More With Weight Lifting?

There is nothing like being a weight room warrior, gym rat, iron head, or whatever you want to call it.  You know who I’m talking about.  The guy (or girl) that is in the gym pounding away everyday to get stronger, leaner, faster, and look better.  Whether or not you like the person, you have to admire the work ethic and discipline it takes to be so regimented.  Still, you don’t have to match them minute for minute to get as much or more gains as they do.

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This may not be the same for everyone, but I have found that I actually feel better and experience better results when I take an extra day off here or there.  For example, say I’ve gone and hit the weights for 6 days straight and I take off Sunday.  Then, Monday and maybe Tuesday I get lazy or busy and don’t get to the gym.  Just because I was lazy for the two day stretch after my rest day doesn’t mean my body will suffer.  I may actually give my muscles more recovery time (even though I’m still alternating groups between days).

So while someone may log more gym time than you, don’t worry too much about it.  The saying, “work smarter, not harder” can apply to lifting weights and fitness too.