How Often Should You Train Weekly for Muscle Building or Fat Loss?

When it comes to building muscle, one of the most common questions is, "How often should I train each week?"

The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, as it depends on several factors like your fitness level, goals, and recovery capacity.

In this blog, we’ll break down the science behind optimal training frequency, address common struggles, and provide actionable tips to help you maximize your results. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced lifter, this guide will help you find the sweet spot for your workouts.

Team GetFIT App
December 5, 2024

The Science Behind Training Frequency for Building Muscle & Losing Fat

Muscle growth, or hypertrophy, is driven by three main factors: mechanical tension, muscle damage, and metabolic stress. These are achieved through resistance training. However, your body also needs adequate time to recover and repair the muscle fibers to grow stronger and bigger.

Research shows that training each muscle group 2-3 times per week is optimal for hypertrophy. This frequency allows you to stimulate muscle growth consistently while providing enough recovery time to avoid overtraining.

Key Takeaways:

  1. Consistency trumps intensity. It’s better to train regularly with moderate intensity than to push yourself too hard and burn out.
  2. Volume matters. Aim for 10–20 sets per muscle group per week, split across your training days.

Common Struggles and How to Overcome Them

1. “I don’t have enough time to train multiple days a week.”

Solution: Focus on full-body workouts 2–3 times per week. These sessions target all major muscle groups in one go, making them ideal for those with tight schedules.
➡️ Tip: Follow structured workout plans like those available in the GetFIT App, which include time-efficient routines tailored to your fitness level.

2. “I feel too sore to train again.”

Solution: Soreness, especially for beginners, can be intense. To reduce it, ensure you’re warming up properly, focusing on good form, and gradually increasing workout intensity.
➡️ Tip: Use the GetFIT App’s recovery tools, like mobility routines and yoga programs, to speed up muscle recovery.

3. “I’m not seeing results despite training hard.”

Solution: This could be due to insufficient protein intake or inconsistent nutrition. Proper fueling is critical for muscle repair and growth.
➡️ Tip: The GetFIT App offers hundreds of high-protein recipes, meal plans, and a food tracker to ensure you’re hitting your daily macros.

Actionable Tips for Optimal Training Frequency

1. Plan Your Training Split

Choose a workout split that fits your schedule and goals. Some popular options include:

  • 2-Day Split: Full-body workouts twice a week.
  • 3-Day Split: Push, Pull, Legs (PPL) split.
  • 4-Day Split: Upper and lower body splits twice a week.

2. Prioritize Recovery

Muscle growth happens during recovery, not during workouts. Incorporate active recovery, stretching, and proper sleep into your routine.

3. Dial in Your Nutrition

You can’t out-train a poor diet. Make sure you’re consuming enough protein (around 1.6–2.2g per kg of body weight) and eating a balanced diet.
➡️ Tip: GetFIT App’s nutrition guides and supplement plans can help you create the perfect diet for muscle building.

4. Progress Gradually

Start with manageable weights and focus on progressive overload. Increasing the weight, reps, or sets over time is key to muscle growth.

How the GetFIT App’s Premium Membership Helps You Achieve Your Goals

If you’re struggling with consistency, nutrition, or finding the right plan, the GetFIT App Premium Membership is designed to solve these issues and help you achieve your fitness goals without trial and error.

Here’s how it works:

  • Customized Workout Plans: Tailored to your goals, fitness level, and schedule.
  • Hundreds of Recipes: High-protein meals that are quick, delicious, and easy to prepare.
  • Meal Plans & Shopping Lists: Simplify your nutrition with ready-made plans and detailed shopping lists.
  • AI Coach ORION: Your personal coach that tracks your progress, adjusts plans, and answers your fitness questions.
  • Expert Support: Access to international fitness, nutrition, and yoga experts for guidance.
  • Calorie & Macro Tracker: Log your meals effortlessly with a database of over 3.7 million foods.

➡️ Try it all risk-free with our 5-day free trial! You can explore every feature and cancel anytime in just 10 seconds if it’s not for you.

Who Is GetFIT App’s Premium Membership For?

Beginners: If you’re new to fitness and don’t know where to start, the app provides step-by-step guidance.
Busy Professionals: Save time with efficient workout plans and meal prep recipes.
Fitness Enthusiasts: Take your training to the next level with advanced programs and expert advice.
Anyone Struggling with Nutrition: Get personalized meal plans that let you enjoy your favorite foods in moderation.
Those Seeking Convenience: Everything you need—training, nutrition, and recovery—packed into one app.


Building muscle doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right training frequency, proper recovery, and a solid nutrition plan, you’ll be well on your way to achieving your goals. And if you want to make the process easier, the GetFIT App Premium Membership has everything you need in one place.

Don’t leave your progress to chance—start your 5-day free trial today and see how GetFIT can transform your fitness journey.

Ready to take the next step? Join the GetFIT App below and start building the body you’ve always wanted! 💪

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