How Long to Exercise For?
Optimum Length of Workouts
Like exercise-frequency, the length of your
training workout is determined by your physical condition and fitness
goals. Recent research shows that aerobic fitness levels can improve with
as little as 10 minutes duration - provided exercise is performed often:
meaning, 2-3 times a day, 5 days a week. So for example, you may divide
up a 30-minute workout into 3 separate 10-minute exercise-routines. If
a single exercise session is preferred, exercising for 30 minutes is an
optimal exercise-period for many people. If your goal is weight loss,
and you are in reasonable physical condition, then 40-60 minute workouts
are best.
Guidelines on How Long to Exercise
On September 5, 2002 the Institute of Medicine
released a lengthy new report recommending that, as part of a routine
regimen to maintain cardiovascular
health, we should all engage in 60 minutes of daily vigorous physical
activity. If this exercise advice sounds excessive, it reflects the growing
importance that doctors are placing on the link between health, obesity
and physical activity.
Warm-Up and Cool-Down Routines
To
reduce the risk of injury when exercising, it's important to spend
a minimum of 5 minutes on warming
up exercises before starting an aerobic
workout and a further 5 minutes cooling down, afterwards. 10 minutes
on these warm-ups and cooling down exercises is even better. This type
of exercise really does help to prevent strains and pulled muscles.
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