Long vs. Short Workouts: Which One Is Right For You?
This is one of the most frequent questions I get as a Personal Trainer!
When it comes to working out, more time doesn’t always mean better results. One of the most common questions people ask is:
“Should I be doing longer workouts or shorter ones?”
The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. The ideal workout length depends on your fitness goals, lifestyle, and how consistently you can show up. Let’s break down the pros and cons of both long and short workouts to help you decide what works best for you.
The Case for Longer Workouts
Longer workouts—typically 60 minutes or more—have their place, especially if you’re training for endurance, strength, or sport-specific goals.
Benefits of longer workouts:
More training volume: If you're aiming to build muscle or improve endurance, spending more time training can help you accumulate more sets, reps, or miles.
Greater variety: You have time to include warm-ups, strength work, cardio, mobility, and even some accessory exercises in a single session.
Skill development: If you're practicing complex movements (like Olympic lifts or sport-specific drills), longer sessions give you room to focus on technique without rushing.
Downsides:
Longer workouts require more time, which can make them harder to stick with. They also increase the risk of fatigue or burnout if not programmed carefully—especially without proper recovery.
The Case for Shorter Workouts
Shorter workouts—anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes—can be highly effective, especially when intensity and consistency are prioritized.
Benefits of shorter workouts:
Time-efficient: You can get in, get it done, and move on with your day. Great for busy schedules.
Higher intensity: Short workouts often focus on quality over quantity, using interval training, circuits, or supersets to maximize effort in a short time.
Easier to recover from: Less time under stress means your body can often bounce back faster, which helps with training frequency.
Downsides:
Shorter sessions might not provide enough volume for advanced strength or hypertrophy goals unless programmed with precision. They also leave less time for extras like stretching, mobility, or skill work.
So… Which Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick way to decide:
Recommended Workout Style:
Short to Moderate Workout (20-40 Minutes)
Short, High Intensity Workouts
Longer Workouts with Progressive Overload
Longer Workouts with High Rep Counts
Longer, Structured Sessions
Short, Consistent Workouts
Goal:
General Fitness
Fat Loss
Muscle Growth
Endurance
Sport Specific
Busy Lifestyle
What matters most is consistency and quality. A 25-minute workout you actually stick to 4–5 days a week will outperform a 90-minute session you only manage once a week.
Final Thoughts
There’s no perfect workout length—only the one that fits your goals, schedule, and lifestyle.
Here’s the bottom line:
Short workouts are great for staying consistent, boosting intensity, and saving time.
Long workouts are ideal for building muscle, developing endurance, or mastering skills.
The best workout is the one you’ll actually do—regularly.
Focus on making your workouts intentional, well-structured, and aligned with your goals—no matter how long they are.
Need help creating a workout plan that fits your life?
Let’s build something that works for you. Reach out for custom training options and coaching support.
