How Much Cardio Is Enough for a Longer, Healthier Life?
Cardio might not be everyone’s favorite, but here's some good news: you only need about 10 minutes a day to keep your heart in great shape. According to a recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, just 60 minutes of cardio per week is enough to lower your risk of mortality and help you live longer.
Before you start dreading the thought of long, grueling cardio sessions, remember that this adds up to just one hour a week. That’s less than 10 minutes a day—totally manageable, even for the busiest schedule.
If you’re aiming to maximize your health benefits, the study also highlights that a combination of three hours of cardio and strength training per week is ideal. This aligns with recommendations from the American College of Sports Medicine and the CDC, which suggest 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly for optimal health.
The main takeaway? You don’t need marathon-length workouts to make a difference in your health or weight loss goals. Consistency is what matters. Even short bursts of exercise can add up to significant benefits when done regularly, so start with what you can manage and build from there.
After all, a little bit of cardio goes a long way toward a longer, healthier life.
