AMRAP is one of many fitness abbreviations you will come across during your journey. It is a commonly used term by fitness trainers and coaches for good reason. It’s a great way to increase your gains when utilized correctly.
What does AMRAP stand for?
AMRAP stands for “As Many Reps (or Rounds) As Possible.” It’s a term commonly used to describe a type of workout where the goal is to complete as many reps of a particular exercise or series of exercises as possible within a specific time frame or until failure. The aim is to challenge your body and push your limits to achieve the maximum amount of work in the given time.
I have utilized this training method for as long as I can remember. It is often responsible for very sore muscles that make it hard for me to function the next day.
Benefits of workouts that include AMRAP
You will find this training style in almost all of my workout programs. It provides amazing benefits and here are some of my favorite ones.
Time-efficient
As a busy parent, I am big on time efficiency which is a big focus of DOCA Fitness. AMRAP workouts are typically short and intense, making them a time-efficient way to get a full-body workout. They allow you to get a lot of work done in a short amount of time, which is great for people with busy schedules alongside supersets and HIIT. (Health Essentials, 2022)
Challenging
Lifting until failure will challenge you to the max, which helps to push you to your limits and improve your fitness. By aiming to complete as many rounds or reps as possible within a set time frame, you’re constantly pushing yourself to do better, which can lead to improved strength, endurance, and overall fitness.
I have found that when you are challenged physically and mentally, you are more likely to stick with your program.
Versatile
One great thing about workouts that utilize AMRAP is that they can be customized to your fitness level and goals. You can choose different exercises and set the time frame and reps to suit your individual needs. This makes them a versatile workout option that can be adapted to a variety of fitness levels and goals.
Motivating
Having a goal of completing as many reps as possible can be motivating and help you to push through the toughest of workouts. It gives you a target to aim for and a sense of accomplishment when you reach or exceed that goal. I enjoy tracking my progress and seeing how many more reps I can do as the weeks and months progress.
Overall, these workouts are an effective way to challenge your body, improve your fitness, and get a full-body workout in a short amount of time.
How does AMRAP work scientifically?
AMRAP workouts work scientifically by challenging your body to perform a high volume of work in a short amount of time. The high-intensity nature stimulates your body causing three main things to happen.
Metabolic adaptation
The intense, continuous nature triggers your body to increase its metabolic demand, which means it will burn more calories and improve its metabolic efficiency.
Cardiovascular adaptation
The high-intensity nature challenges your cardiovascular system, leading to an increase in heart rate and oxygen consumption. Over time, this can improve cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
Muscular adaptation
The high volume of work challenges your muscular endurance and can lead to improvements in muscular strength, size, and endurance. The short rest periods between rounds also stimulate your body’s anaerobic energy systems, which can help to improve your muscular endurance and power output.
Overall, utilizing AMRAP challenges your body to perform a high volume of work in a short amount of time, leading to metabolic, cardiovascular, and muscular adaptations that can improve your overall fitness and performance.
AMRAP Workout Example
Here is an example of an AMRAP workout you can try in the comfort of your own home. This one is based on time.
- Set your timer for 10 minutes
- Perform as many rounds as possible (AMRAP) of the following exercises within the time limit:
- 10 push-ups
- 15 air squats
- 20 sit-ups
- Rest for a minute or two after the 10 minutes are up
- Repeat the AMRAP for another 10 minutes, trying to beat your previous score
In this workout, the goal is to complete as many rounds of the three exercises as possible within 10 minutes. Once the time is up, you take a short rest before repeating the AMRAP for another 10 minutes, trying to beat your previous score. This type of workout is designed to challenge your endurance, improve your strength and cardiovascular fitness, and push you to your limits.
Is Amrap good for weight loss?
While AMRAP workouts are an excellent way to improve your overall fitness and burn calories, they may not be the most effective form of exercise for weight loss on their own.
Please note that weight loss occurs when you burn more calories than you consume. While AMRAP workouts can be intense and effective at burning calories, they may not burn as many calories as other forms of exercise. However, incorporating AMRAP workouts as part of a balanced exercise routine that includes cardio and strength training can be an effective way to support weight loss goals.
It’s very important to understand that weight loss is primarily driven by your diet. No matter how much exercise you do, if you’re consuming more calories than your body needs, you’re unlikely to see significant weight loss results. Therefore, it’s important to pair regular exercise with a healthy, balanced diet to achieve optimal results.
Can you overdo AMRAP?
Please keep in mind that it is possible to overdo AMRAP workouts just as with anything else. The high-intensity nature puts a lot of stress on your body. If you don’t give your body enough time to recover, it can lead to overtraining, fatigue, and injury.
Overtraining can occur when you train too hard or too frequently without giving your body enough time to recover. It can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, decreased performance, decreased immunity, mood changes, and increased risk of injury.
To avoid overdoing AMRAP workouts, it’s important to listen to your body, start at an appropriate intensity level, and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts over time. It’s also important to take rest days and allow your body time to recover between workouts. If you experience any persistent pain or discomfort, it’s important to seek medical advice to prevent further injury. This is why it is important to work with an experienced personal trainer who offers fitness coaching. That will ensure you do not overtrain using these otherwise effective methods.
In general, performing reps until failure is a safe and effective way to improve your fitness. Approach them with caution and give your body the time it needs to recover between workouts.
What is the final word on AMRAP?
In summary, workouts that include AMRAP (As Many Reps As Possible) are a popular and effective way to challenge your body, improve your fitness, and get a full-body workout in a short amount of time. They are time-efficient, challenging, versatile, and motivating. They can be customized to suit a variety of fitness levels and goals.
However, as with any workout, it’s important to use proper form, start at an appropriate intensity level, and listen to your body to avoid injury. As long as you do that, incorporating AMRAP workouts into your fitness routine is a great way to achieve your fitness goals.
References
- https://www.verywellfit.com (2018). Circuit Training to Complete Many Rounds or Reps as Possible. Verywell Fit. https://www.verywellfit.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-amrap-workouts-4156872
- Health Essentials. (2022, November 8). 6 Reasons To Make AMRAP Workouts Part of Your Exercise Routine. Cleveland Clinic; Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/amrap-workout/