Is a 1 hour workout enough? I feel like I'm not doing enough

I've been hitting the gym for about 3 weeks now, doing roughly an hour 4 times a week. I leave feeling okay, but I see guys staying for 2 or 3 hours. Am I doing enough to actually see results, or should I be pushing for longer sessions?

Mate, an hour is plenty! If you're actually working hard for those 60 minutes, you'll see progress. Quality over quantity every single time.

I'm with LondonLad on this. When I first started in Toronto, I thought I had to live at the gym. Now I do 45-minute high-intensity blocks and I'm stronger than ever. Are you following a specific program?

Not really a strict program, just hitting the main machines and some dumbbells. I guess I just worry I'm being lazy if I'm out in under an hour.

The guys staying 3 hours are usually spending 2 of those hours scrolling on their phones or chatting by the water fountain. Focus on your compound lifts (squats, deadlifts, presses) and an hour will feel like a marathon.

I used to feel the same guilt! I'm in the UK and my local leisure centre is always packed. I found that tracking my lifts helped. If the numbers are going up, the time doesn't matter.

Totally agree! It's all about the intensity. If you can walk out of there feeling like you could do it all over again, maybe add some weight? But 60 mins is the sweet spot for most beginners.

Exactly. @TXguy99, have you looked at something like Starting Strength or StrongLifts 5x5? They are designed for 45-60 min sessions.

I haven't checked those out yet. I'll give them a look tonight. Thanks for the tips, y'all.

Keep us posted on which one you choose. 5x5 is a classic for a reason.

Just a heads up, 5x5 can get tough once the weights get heavy. You might need more than an hour then just for the rest periods!

That's a good point by NorthernLass. Once you're squatting heavy, you need those 3-minute breaks between sets.

Even then, I rarely go over 75 minutes. Consistency beats duration. If you can do 1 hour consistently, you'll beat the guy who does 3 hours once a week and quits.

Spot on. Consistency is king.

That makes me feel a lot better. I've been consistent so far, just had that nagging feeling I was doing "lite" workouts.

Forget the time, man. Focus on the progress. Are you eating enough protein too? That's the other half of the battle.

I'm trying! Lots of chicken and eggs. It's a lot of cooking.

Cooking is the hardest part of the gym, honestly! 😂

Meal prep is your friend. I spend Sunday afternoons getting everything ready for the week so I don't have to think about it after work.

Good shout, Dave. I'll give that a try this weekend. Thanks everyone for the encouragement!