Short Workouts Still Count!

A 60-minute appointment at the gym is arbitrary.

It makes scheduling easier, and sure, an hour long workout is great, but there isn’t anything inherently special about 60-minutes - expect for that maybe you expect your workout to last that long.

All my workouts are under an hour, and most are in that 20-40 minute range. Recently, a client was running late and I modified their workout to get the main events in. They were surprised afterwards how good of a workout it was. They only did part “A,” and were in and out in 25 minutes.

Part A consisted of heavy squats and pull ups. While this person didn’t do as much ‘stuff’ in their workout, we delivered the big rocks that make an impact. Very 80/20/Pareto Principle.

The other case for shorter workouts, and maybe it’s actually the same point as above; something is better than nothing.

Nothing doesn’t move the needle at all.

A short workout is better than no workout. Especially if we prioritize, and choose the 20% of things that will have the biggest impact.

Once again, I’ve noticed that people are unsure if a short workout will be effective for them at all.

It is!

It’s more movement and loading than you would otherwise get, and let’s not brush off the social benefit of the gym. You get to go to a place where people know your name and say hi to you! Don’t miss out on that.

Short workouts will keep you in the game.

Don’t think it’s a full session or bust. You can make plenty of gains, and keep your body feeling stronger and healthier with shorter workouts.

It just might help you be more consistent, too.

—Justin Miner