Should You Train Twice A Day? || Pros And Cons

Summary

In this video, Coach Greg explores the pros and cons of training twice a day for muscle building, strength, and cardio. He explains that splitting workouts can help with recovery, focus on specific body parts, and improve socialization, but cautions against the potential for burnout, junk volume, and overuse of stimulants. While two-a-day training may benefit athletes or bodybuilders, he advises most people to stick to one intense session per day to maximize results and avoid unnecessary time and costs. Ultimately, recovery and effort are key factors in making progress.

Takeaways

• 😀 Training twice a day can benefit dual athletes who do both cardio and weightlifting, as it allows better recovery and intensity in both workouts.
• 😀 Splitting cardio and weightlifting into separate sessions with about 8 hours apart helps maintain energy levels for both activities.
• 😀 If you train hard during your first session, adding a second workout can allow you to focus on weaker body parts or improve weaker muscle groups.
• 😀 Separating cardio from weightlifting can help preserve muscle while still improving cardiovascular endurance.
• 😀 If you're already pushing yourself hard once a day, adding a second session might hinder recovery and result in ineffective training (junk volume).
• 😀 Training twice a day can help with discipline, especially for people on a diet or in a cutting phase, as it keeps them away from tempting foods.
• 😀 The social aspect of twice-a-day training can provide a mental and emotional boost, allowing individuals to enjoy the gym experience and interact with others.
• 😀 Recovery is crucial if you're training twice a day. Without proper rest and sleep, training more frequently can lead to overtraining and hinder muscle gains.
• 😀 Time constraints and logistical issues, like driving to the gym and getting ready, make training twice a day less practical for people with busy lives.
• 😀 Financial costs, including gas, gym membership, and laundry expenses, can add up when training twice a day, making it less feasible for some individuals.
• 😀 Missing the second workout session due to life events or lack of motivation can lead to inconsistency, making twice-a-day training less effective for some.

Q & A

When is training twice a day most beneficial?

Training twice a day is most beneficial for dual athletes who are involved in both cardiovascular activities (such as running, swimming, or biking) and weight training. Separating these two types of training can help you perform better in both areas, as it allows for better recovery between sessions.

Why is it important to separate cardio and weight training when training twice a day?

Separating cardio and weight training helps to avoid fatigue from doing both back-to-back. This allows for more energy to be spent on each type of training, leading to better results in both muscle building and cardiovascular endurance.

Should you train your weaker body parts in the first or second workout when training twice a day?

It is recommended to train your weaker body parts or the ones you want to improve the most in the first session of the day, as you will have more energy and focus. The second workout will be harder to perform with maximum effort.

What are the social benefits of training twice a day?

Training twice a day can provide social benefits, especially if the gym is a place where you meet friends or enjoy socializing. This extra time in the gym can act as an outlet for stress and help maintain motivation.

Can training twice a day help with dieting or cutting?

Yes, training twice a day can help when dieting or cutting. Extra training can increase calorie burn and keep you focused on your fitness goals. Additionally, being at the gym more often reduces the temptation to eat unhealthy foods at home.

What is the main downside of training twice a day?

The main downside is the potential for inadequate recovery. Overtraining can occur if you don't give your body enough time to rest between sessions. This can hinder progress and lead to fatigue, soreness, and even injury.

How does time commitment affect the decision to train twice a day?

Training twice a day requires a significant time commitment, not only in the gym but also for commuting, changing, and preparing. For individuals with busy schedules, such as those with families or jobs, the time and effort may outweigh the benefits.

Why might someone experience a drop in workout intensity when training twice a day?

When training twice a day, you may not have the same level of energy for the second session, leading to a drop in workout intensity. You might feel tempted to 'save' energy, resulting in a less effective second workout and potentially more junk volume.

What are the financial drawbacks of training twice a day?

Training twice a day can lead to increased costs, such as higher transportation costs (more trips to the gym), additional energy consumption (e.g., washing clothes), and potential higher gym membership fees if you need to train more frequently. These financial burdens can add up over time.

Is it better to train once a day or twice a day for most people?

For most people, training once a day is better. It allows you to focus on intensity and recovery, ensuring that you’re training hard and making progress without overloading your body. Training twice a day is typically recommended only for those who are highly dedicated or have specific goals.