Is Running 5 Days A Week Too Much?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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I generally recommend

five running days per week

for beginners in their first year or two of running, injury-prone runners with a history (or fear) of overuse injuries and many older runners. Young, advanced, durable runners should aim for six days days (or even seven, if planned by a coach).

Is it bad to run 5 days in a row?

Using Rest and Recovery Days

In addition, you should never do harder efforts two days in a row unless you are an experienced runner working from a smart plan. So, if you are running five days a week,

three should be recovery runs

. If you are running six days a week, three or four should be recovery runs.

What are the benefits of running 5 times a week?

  • Prepares you for training plans. …
  • Reduces risk of chronic disease. …
  • Helps manage weight. …
  • Possible help for anxiety and depression.

Is it OK to run 6 days a week?


Running 5–6 days per week is best

. The more often your body does something the better it gets at doing that thing. Start with an easy weekly distance and repeat it for at least 4 weeks. You CAN repeat the same distance for longer if you want.

How many days a week should you run?

For beginners, most experts recommend running

three to four days a week

. If you’ve been running for a while and know how to pace yourself, you may be able to up that total to five days a week.

How far should I run in 30 minutes?

Beginning runners should start with two to four runs per week at about 20 to 30 minutes

(or roughly 2 to 4 miles)

per run. You may have heard of the 10 Percent Rule, but a better way to increase your mileage is to run more every second week. This will help your body adapt to your new hobby so you don’t get hurt.

How long does it take to see results from running 3 times a week?


Within two to three weeks of

running three to four times a week, strength training three times a week, and leaving days for recovery, you will notice changes in how you look. The scale may not be the best judge as building muscle can actually cause weight gain, so be sure to take weekly progress photos.

What should I do on rest days?

  • Listen to Your Body. First things first, no one knows your body as well as you do. …
  • Get Adequate Sleep. Mental and physical rest is equally important when letting your body recover. …
  • Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate. …
  • Eat Right. …
  • Stay Active. …
  • Stretch or Foam Roll.

Can I run 5K every day?

Running 5 kilometers (or 3.1 miles)

every day

can improve your endurance and may even help you lose weight, but “no days off” isn’t the best mantra for everyone. … Some people are taking that regularity extra seriously, committing to running daily — or even running a 5K every day.

How long should I run for to lose weight?

In general, however, you should spend about 30 minutes a day practicing. If you are in good health, you can adjust it gradually for more results. This is because running

40-50 minutes

will help the body burn calories at a higher rate.

Will I lose belly fat by running?

Studies have found that

moderate-to-high aerobic exercise like running can reduce belly fat

, even without changing your diet ( 12 , 13 , 14 ). An analysis of 15 studies and 852 participants found that aerobic exercise reduced belly fat without any change in diet.

Can you get abs from running?


Yes, You Can Get Abs and See Results by Running

— and an Expert Just Told Us How to Do It. … Though running on its own won’t carve out a six-pack the way that dedicated ab work and strength training will, both long, slow runs and shorter, fast ones will engage, push, and strengthen the muscles in your core.

What muscles get toned from running?

The muscles which are used to power you through your run are

quadriceps, hamstrings, calves and glutes

. Regular running will definitely get you a toned, fit body including a firm butt. However running per se will not make your butt bigger unless you specifically work out on your glutes.

Can you run 4 times a week?

Running only four days per week can still be a

very good way to burn enough calories to result in weight loss

. The distance you run on those four days is the determining factor as opposed to the number of minutes you are running. The faster pace you can run and the longer you can run, the more calories you will burn.

How many rest days should you have?

It’s recommended to take a rest day

every three to five days

. If you do vigorous cardio, you’ll want to take more frequent rest days. You can also have an active rest day by doing a light workout, like gentle stretching. To determine when you should rest, consider the recommendations for aerobic activity.

How many days of running is too much?

Researchers at the University of South Carolina and the Ochsner Health System recommend that the average athlete run

no more than 20 miles a week

, spaced out appropriately with rest days in between, and limit your endurance days to less than an hour for maximum benefits.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.