So how much resistance training is necessary to increase your lean muscle mass and strength? Not as much as you probably think. The following outline for a workout routine is simplistic in it's approach, which is also why it's very effective.
So how much resistance training is necessary to increase your lean muscle mass and strength? Not as much as you probably think. Unlike what you may read about in the muscle mags, you do not have to train hours a day, seven days a week to get results. In fact, any more weight/resistance training than 2 to 3 hours a week may be counter-productive.

The best results I've witnessed while in the personal training field come from 3-5 sessions a week with weights, less than an hour each session. Most people like the Monday, Wednesday, Friday approach to weight training. This leaves Tuesday and Thursday for cardio, which should be done separately from weight training.

The following outline for a workout routine is simplistic in it's approach, which is also why it's very effective. The key to proper weight training is to establish a good foundation on which to build upon, much like building a solid foundation for a house. If you cut corners and build a weak foundation for a house, as time goes on, the house will become weaker and less sturdy.

Same thing with weight training. Keep it simple. It's more productive to focus effectively on a few tasks (exercises) than it is to work out with less intensity on many different ones. You can revise and edit the program every 8 to 10 weeks to include different exercises or a different pairing of muscle groups.

Keep your routine simple, follow the suggested exercises (most are simple, well-known basic exercises) and I guarantee you will see more results.