Home   >   Fitness   >   How Long Should I Do Cardio For?

How Long Should I Do Cardio For?

By on September 22, 2011
Cardio Time

To put things in perspective, you’ll get health benefits from even the smallest increases in physical activity and short bouts of cardiovascular training. However, to improve your cardiovascular fitness level, you’ll want to eventually work your way up to 30 to 60 minutes of continuous cardiovascular training.

Make Progress and Be Consistent

Exercising for periods longer than 60 minutes can be beneficial if you’re training for endurance events, and perhaps in weight management, but isn’t necessary for general health and fitness. Once again, progression is key, so if you aren’t yet comfortable with 30 minutes at one time, start with shorter bouts like three 10-minute bouts and just be consistent!

Increase Duration Before Intensity

If you’ve been sedentary for a long time, maybe your whole life, it would be reasonable, and perhaps most beneficial, to focus on increasing the duration of your workouts before even considering intensity. This minimizes your risk for injury and maximizes your level of enjoyment through the whole process.

Even if you can only walk to your mailbox and back, you can succeed at cardiovascular training by respecting your body and its capabilities. Next week, add a few extra steps; the following week, another block. As they say, “slow and steady wins the race!”

About You!Health staff

Health and lifestyle tips to improve your quality of life. Follow @YouHealthMag on Twitter for the latest on health, fitness, wellness and ways to improve your mind, body and spirit.