How Often, For How Long?

Start slowly and build up as you feel able. Cardio exercise goals from US Health and Human Services include:

• Adults aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate** or 75 minutes a week of vigorous cardio activity. You may also combine moderate and vigorous movement. The time goal for this would fall between 75 to 150 minutes per week.
• 300 minutes a week of moderate or 150 minutes a week of vigorous cardio activity will lead to better benefits. or a combination of both. You may also combine moderate and vigorous movement.
• Each workout should be at least 10 minutes. Spread workouts throughout the week.

**Moderate level you should be able to talk during the workout. Vigorous level you can't say more than a few words without pausing for a breath.

Older adults should follow the same plan but keep in mind:

• Chronic conditions are more common in older adults. Exercise intensity and time may need to be changed. Sometimes switching the type of exercise itself may help.
• Consider exercises that may help improve balance.
• Match intensity to your overall fitness level. It may start off very light but any exercise is better than none.

Children and adolescents have the following key guidelines regarding aerobic activity:

• Aim for 1 hour or more of physical activity daily.
• Most of the hour should be either moderate or vigorous activity
• Activity with vigorous play should be included at least 3 days a week

Tips

Tips for getting started:

• Start slowly. Try 10 minute bouts of exercise if you haven't been very active. You can do them throughout the day such as 10 min in morning, 10 min at lunch, and 10 min after dinner.
• Use a warm-up. This is a light level of movement to help loosen muscle and joints and start to raise heart rate. It may ease discomfort in workout.
• Slowly increase the intensity of your activity. Starting with too much too soon can make you very sore or can even lead to injury. This may delay return to activity.
• Cool down after a workout. This is just working a lower intensity until heart rate and breathing come down to a normal rate. It will also let you pause and reset after a hard workout. A quick stop can cause lightheadedness.