Two 1-hour training sessions vs. One 2-hour training session?

[Landmonster]

Hi guys.

This post is about the optimal workout length for a bodybuilder seeking maximum hypertrophy.

Is there any real evidence supporting a 1-hour training session? I was told before by various people that you didn't want to train longer in the gym than 1 hour, due to elevated cortisol levels, falling testosterone levels, etc etc.

I was also told, that if you wanted to train more, go to the gym a second time in the day for one hour, rather than extend a single training session. However, this is contradictory to what I've seen in the gym, as some pros and big guys train 1.5-2 hours.


My specific questions are....
1) "Is there any real advantage over performing two 1-hour training sessions over One 2-hour training session in a single day?"

and

2) "Is there any specific timelimit where you should cut your workout off, for hormonal reasons, or other reasons? (45 minutes, 1hr, 2 hrs, etc)"

 

[oldfella]

Probably the real reason why two one hour sessions would be better is due to energy expenditure. You will fall off badly if you had to try and maintain any reasonable intensity for 2 hrs! I doubt you could even do this. Also your interest would drop off. Short sharp intense workouts are much better than draining marathion sessions in the gym. Also for many of the reasons you have already outlined. if you have to split the sessions into one am and one pm. Much better this way.