06/25/2025
There are more gyms than anytime in history, yet obesity rates are at an all time high 🤷🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️🤷🏼♂️.
“At least they’re doing something” is an excuse…
Of course, something is better than nothing in theory. Having a gym membership you don’t use is theoretically better than not having one. Going to the gym 1-2x per week is theoretically better than going to the gym 1-2 times per week.
But why are we constantly judging ourselves against doing NOTHING, when in reality, we should be comparing ourselves against the standard minimal effective dose to keep us healthy and help us stay healthy for a lifetime.
The cold hard truth of that minimal dose? Here it is…
Cardio: Health benefits start at 150mins per week
Strength: Benefits start at 2x/week (w/ intensity)
Conditioning: VO2max improvements at 20min/week
Mobility: Improvements start at 45mins per week
Muscle: Moderate volume 2x/week per muscle
Athleticism: 30mins per week exploring movement
So no, this level of preventative health cannot be achieved in just 1-2 non structured gym sessions per week. Not even close.
At a bare minimum, this level of exercise can potentially slow down the impending loss of all physical characteristics IF you’re already lean, healthy, fit, strong and carry muscle mass.
If you’re like the 96% of metabolically unhealthy Americans that would like to lose some fat, gain some muscle, move better, get out of pain, and rebuild their bodies after times of disuse, misuse or deactivation?
You’re going to need to do MORE to reverse these chronic diseases, orthopedic problems and lifestyle issues.
The unpopular truth is that people have dug themselves into an unhealthy hole, and they’re never able to climb out doing the minimum (they also don’t need to do the maximum).
We need to do more AND do it smarter when it comes to training to regain our physical health and function. We need to be more well rounded, more flexible, and more principle based.
If you’re looking for the health blueprint for your training? I have the ultimate plan. Learn more in the LINK IN BIO