Levesqian Theorem: Real Time vs. Workout Time

For the last few years, there has been a discrepancy between Workout Time and Real Time. You may ask yourself what I am actually talking about and I believe I am now ready to explain.

Anyone who has ever worked out or trained for something understands that Workout Time is significantly different than Real Time. Here are the definitions:

• Real Time (RT): The sum total of the time you leave to go workout until you return home. It includes travel time, working out, talking, etc.
• Workout Time (WOT): The actual time you spend doing your workout. It is the "true" time you really spend doing your training.

This may seem a bit confusing at first, but let me explain further. Let's say I have a pool workout that will last 40 minutes. But, travel time to the pool is 20 minutes each direction. Add in changing and showering, you get this:

• RT: 40 minute workout + 40 minute travel time + 10 minute shower/change = 1 hour, 30 minutes
• WOT: 40 minute workout = 40 minutes

I am lucky enough to have the Fitness Edge only 2 minutes from my house. Even so, Real Time always gets in the way of Workout Time. If I am teaching a Spin Class, Workout Time and Real Time are significantly different. I always get there a bit early, get the music ready and help members get organized for class. After class, cool down, answer questions, and make sure the room is left clean. Hence:

• RT: 15 minutes before class + 45 minute class + 15 minutes after class = 1 hour, 15 minutes
• WOT: 45 minute Spin Class = 45 minutes

The worst examples of this are group rides and group trainings. I think this is one of the reasons I avoid both of them during some of my big training weeks. Quite often, group rides will not leave on time, the re-groups become too social and if the leader feels like it, they will change the route. While my actual Workout Time stays the same, my Real Time about doubles.

At group trainings, the Workout Time is really great and a lot is accomplished. However, as in many group settings, talking takes over and Real Time increases significantly. Here is one more example:

• RT: 60 minute workout (pool) + 40 minute travel time + 1o minute shower/change + 15 minute social time + 30 minute workout (run) = 2 hours, 35 minutes
• WOT: 60 minute workout (pool) + 30 minute workout (run) = 1 hour, 30 minutes

As you can see by my examples, there is a huge difference between Real Time and Workout Time. This is why I may seem, at times, anti-social when it comes to working out. Many of "discussions" that my wife and I have are focused upon this very subject. I focus on Workout Time while she focuses on Real Time. Neither of us are wrong, but there is a gap between the two that make things even more difficult.

There is no right or wrong way to explain or fix this issue, but there has to be some understanding between the two times. I am always early and try to be as prepared as possible. This drastically effects my Real Time as compared to my Workout Time.

The next time you need to explain why you were gone for so long to do a "quick" workout, bust out the Levesqian Theorem, the RT vs. WOT formula.

And good luck!