I read somewhere, it might have been here, that approximately 240 minutes of cardio per week is an optimal number for fat loss. So I've been doing cardio three days a week for 60 minutes each day (180 minutes). In addition, my husband and I ride bikes together either Saturday or Sunday for about 60 minutes.

I find that I am getting extremely bored by the 60 minute cardio sessions in the gym. I typically use two or three machines during that time, but just cannot wait to finish. Not good, because I am beginning to reduce cardio (the last few weeks I have only done two days per week plus the bike ride). So I am thinking of changing my cardio to five days a week for about 35-40 minutes each (175-180 minutes). I enjoy the bike rides with my husband, so I'm not worried about that.

I guess my question is: Will I get the same fitness/fat loss benefits by doing cardio for only 35-40 minutes per session five days a week as I would with three 60-minute sessions?

Thanks!!

Absolutely! Studies show that it's total time spent doing cardio that counts. It doesn't really matter how you reach your number of minutes per week so long as you git 'er done.

Some people say there's MORE benefit to doing more days of cardio because you're elevating your heart rate more times per week (even though the individual sessions are shorter).

It's even OK to aggregate smaller chunks of time during the day. I'll often do a half hour of cardio in the morning and another in the afternoon.

Have you tried anything like music or books on tape to make the time go faster?

Thanks, Meg! It's great to know that it's total time that counts. That really helps in changing things around to beat boredom!

I have used music on occasion, but I don't really like earphones so try to limit my use of them. Books on tape is a great idea; I love to read and that might be worth wearing earphones.