How long of a workout is necessary for building muscle? | Other | Forum

tom_g, you are probably waaaaay ahead of me on this, but I'm going to stick my neck out and offer you my advice, from my perspective.  I realize that everyone you talk to is going to have a different suggestion, usually based on what worked for them.

I have been following Tom Venuto's two day split, three day routine.  (You can order Tom's fantastic eBook by clicking on the "blogroll" entry for Burn the Fat, Feed the Muscle.)  With very few modifications, this has worked well for me.  I usually do two or three exercises per muscle group, with between three and five sets of 6 -12 reps, depending on the muscle, weight and which way the wind is blowing that day!

I get through my exercises in less than an hour.

My workouts are usually with 20-45 minutes.  Occasionally I do a few "intrests" and go longer but not usually.  I don't always agree with Darrin.  This is one of those times.  I think IF you are motivated, and do multiple muscle group exercises then you can break someone in about 20 minutes if the intensity is there….  but that's a BIG if…