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This is a very common question that many people ask. A general rule of thumb is 3-5 days per week depending on your goal. The routine that is best for fat loss will vary tremendously from a routine designed for someone who wants to run a marathon. If you are trying to maintain your current level of fitness 3 days is enough. To lose fat and build muscle, 4-5 days is optimal. The biggest key is consistency. If you say you are going to hit the gym 3 times per week, do it. The worst thing you can do is be inconsistent. Each time you start and stop an exercise program it will be harder to begin again from a physical and mental standpoint.

One of the best ways to lose weight and keep it off is to raise your metabolism. Your metabolism consists of all the chemical reactions/ processes that happen in your body to produce energy and sustain life. Of special interest to most people trying to lose weight is the Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR) which should not be confused with the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR). They are often used interchangeably but they are slightly different. The Basal Metabolic Rate is tested under stricter conditions. The Resting Metabolic Rate is the amount of energy/calories it costs for you to maintain all your internal physiological functions at rest. That means it is the amount of energy to keep your lungs, heart, liver, kidneys, brain, and the rest of the nervous system functioning properly at complete rest. Your RMR typically accounts for 65-75% of all your daily caloric needs.