How Often Should You Exercise In A Gym Pod Each Week?

Keeping fit is a vital part of improving our physical health and mental wellbeing, but when booking sessions in our beautiful fit pods, how long should you be aiming to work out?

It is a question which has been the subject of countless studies, but the answer will vary considerably depending on a person’s level of fitness and overall goals.

The NHS advises that people should undertake at least 150 minutes (2.5 hours) of physical activity at what it describes as a “moderate” intensity, or at least 75 minutes (1.25 hours) of vigorous activity a week [1].

If you are using a pod, you are likely undertaking what the NHS describes as “very vigorous” activity [1], such as circuit training, running up stairs or weight training.

Of course, the two numbers above are general minimum baselines, and the realistic amount you should exercise will be based on overall fitness goals, as well as the effects of diet and other healthy lifestyle habits.

A 2023 study of the connection between weight loss and physical activity by Mr Balfour and Mr Boster found that people who were looking to lose weight without changes to their diet could expect to require between 225 and 400 minutes (3.75 and 6.67 hours per week) to maintain their weight [2].

It is not simply a matter of timing, either, as there are studies such as Assistant Professor Leah M Schumacher et al’s study on the effects of consistency on weight loss, that demonstrate that it is not just a matter of how much time is spent exercising but when that matters as well [3].

Finally, a critical aspect of fitness that is often underappreciated is the role of rest and recovery. Exercise is about working hard to build back stronger, and rest is essential not merely to avoid injury but as part of the process of bodybuilding [4].

We recommend three to four sessions a week for maximum benefit, while ensuring that you get a good amount of rest, as well. We also provide customised training programmes as part of your membership with us, so get in touch to find out more.