How much is "Enough" and how much is "TOO Much"

I get asked this question multiple times a week in my job..... how much is enough..... how long will it take to lose...... how long will it take me to get in shape... How will I know if I'm doing too much.....
All great questions to have a STRONG understanding of.

The first of which, "How much is enough"~

This is all depending on what your current fitness level is and what your personal goals are.
For the trainee who is starting with minimal to no activity, I will recommend 3 days to start. Three days of moderate activity will at this point be enough to slightly shock the body into transformation mode.
Keep in mind that this 3 day schedule will soon change into 4 or 5 the better shape you get in and the bigger the goals.

"How long will it take me to lose 5, 10 or 15 pounds"~

Hmmmmm every trainers FAVORITE question( trainers.... tell me I'm right)
Well my response is how dedicated are you???
A person training with dedication can lose 5 pounds of body fat in a few weeks, some may even scrape the 10 pound mark, but its likely more like 1-2 pounds per week.
This safe zone of 1-2 pounds per week is based on regular daily activity of moderate to high intensity and CLEAN healthy nutrition regimes.
The  answer to this question really lies in the dedication of the one asking!!!!

"How long until I am in shape"~

Similar to the above question but with a slightly more in depth answer....
What is your version of "in shape"
This could mean simply having the ability to do 10 squat jumps followed by 10 push ups and still have a full breath.
This could mean fitting into your "skinny jeans"and still being able to sit in them ;)
So again, it will depend on your dedication and your idea of the term.

And the ever important and less frequently asked question......
"How will I know if I am doing TOO MUCH"~

Yes you can workout too much!!
As a beginner, it is important to stick to the 3 days at first, too much at once will do more damage sometimes than good. Your body isn't prepared for the strain quite yet, as the new movements are going to cause muscle soreness, your recovery will be crucial.
As a more active individual, it is still risky to do too much. You know that person you see at the gym when you first walk in, they've clearly been on that elliptical for hours with the amount of sweat pooling around them..... and after your hour workout , you head for the door and see this same person now in the weight room.... they have to have been here now for at least 2 hours... you then see them later that evening walking out of a spin class at your local community centre as you drop your son off at hockey.... SERIOUSLY??!! Yes you guessed it.... this person is likely doing "too much"
Our bodies thrive on sleep, this is where our recovery and growth happens.
Off days and sleep!!! Two of the most important words to remember when training.
Signs of over training are, stress, constant muscle soreness, muscle aches, pulled muscles, lack of sleep, headaches, moodiness and illness to name a few....
Take at LEAST 1 day off a week during a heavy training schedule.