I get asked all the time how often I workout out and for how long. The answer surprises most people.

I workout five days a week, usually about 45 minutes each time. That's it. I know if doesn't sound like much but that's all I do. I just hit it really hard when I train.

I like to say I prescribe to the brief and brutal workout plan. In other words I don't have the time for long workouts (they aren't all that good anyway) and so I go as hard as I can handle for a short time and then get on with the rest of my day. I've moved into this training style about five years ago and I can honestly say I'm now in the best shape of my life at 35, plus I spend less time in the gym too.

I also don't do much in the way of cardio. The reason is fairly simple. I hardly take any time between exercises and that keeps my heart rate up for the whole time. I get the benefits of weights plus cardio all at the same time.

Now I usually do put in one straight cardio day each week. So my break down looks like this: four days weights, one day cardio and a full two days off.

To be honest I'm not a fan of taking time off, since I really like to workout, but if I don't I end up overtrained, tired and worn down. It's best for me to force myself those off days so I get in better shape.

So you don't have to workout everyday and you don't have to workout for hours a day to get in shape. Just work hard in the time you have.

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