Hi everyone, I have a exercise question.
I just had a baby 2 months ago. So I don't have big chunks of time for exersice anymore. So lately I've been just jumping on my elliptical for like 10-15 minutes. I get a chance to do this maybe 2-3 times a day.
I was just curious if this is just as good as like being on the elliptical a staright 30 minutes?

Hey! Congratulations on your new baby!

What I've read is that you should try to do at least 15 minutes at a stretch to get best results. It takes about that long for your muscles to start burning fat. 20 minutes would be better. But, if you do 15 minutes 3 times a day, that's definitely good! So if that's all you can fit in, do it.

Jay

My opinion is that any exercise is good, and exercise at 20 minutes at a stretch or more is great. But ANYTHING...even if you do jumping jacks for 5 minutes, 6 times a day...is fantastic!

I've heard that three ten-minute cardio sessions are equivalent to one 30 minute session. Good for you for doing it!!!

It's all good! And for exercising when you could be napping!

I've heard that its just as good, but you have to make a concentrated effort to get your heart rate up, so you get that good cardio in!

I think that has inspired me to give short bursts a try, I don't have a new baby (btw congrats!) but my time is just as limited..so instead of working out for 10 I am on here posting LOL what is wrong with this picture????

anyway any exercise is better than none. who knows you may work up to 10-15 min 4 and 5 times a day??

The US Department of Health and Human Services just released (Oct 7) guidelines for exercise that support the value of exercising even when broken down into 10 minutes increments. "The guidelines recommend that healthy adults get either 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity activity or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity each week. The guidelines urge adults to "mix and match" their activities and intensity levels but recommend a minimum of 10 minutes per day." from http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercis...s-gym-more-fun

From "Adults gain substantial health benefits from two and one half hours a week of moderate aerobic physical activity or an hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity. Aerobic activity, such as walking briskly, water aerobics, ballroom dancing, jogging, and jumping rope, should be performed in episodes of at least 10 minutes." http://www.hhs.gov/news/facts/physic...uidelines.html (high level)

http://www.health.gov/paguidelines/g...s/default.aspx for the details