To achieve cardiorespiratory fitness, how long should a person exercise each week?

The recommendation for achieving and maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness is grounded in guidelines established by health organizations, such as the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To attain significant health benefits and improve cardiorespiratory endurance, adults should aim for a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week.

This duration allows for improved cardiovascular health, enhanced lung capacity, and increased overall stamina, which are critical components of cardiorespiratory fitness. Engaging in aerobic activities such as brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or running for this specified amount of time can significantly contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases, improving mental health, and promoting overall well-being.

In contrast, while shorter durations, such as 30 or 60 minutes weekly, may provide some health benefits, they typically do not meet the established guidelines that guarantee the full advantages of sustained cardiorespiratory training. Higher durations like 200 minutes may be beneficial for individuals looking to achieve advanced fitness levels or weight loss but are not necessary for the basic goals of maintaining cardiorespiratory fitness. Thus, 150 minutes is the established benchmark for most adults seeking to foster their heart and lung health through regular exercise.