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Answer:
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It is true, it takes a minimum of 20 minutes to reach what's called the "aerobic threshold," the fat-burning stage of exercise. A cardio workout of at least 30 min. per day would be ideal. Another variable that is significant, perhaps more so than exercising for 50-60 minutes, is the intensity sustained throughout. The body always needs to be challenged in order to avoid "adaptation," that point in time when the body gets so used to an exercise, that benefits plateau.
In a nutshell, try your best to perform cardio exercises at least 3 times per week (5-6X is preferable), for at least 20 to 30 minutes each bout, and at an intensity that is challenging. To determine what is intense without being too subjective, try working within your age-estimated target heart rate zone: 210 minus 1/2 your age x .65 (low end) and 210-1/2age x .85. If you don't have a heart rate monitor, then simply go by the walk and talk test - if you can carry on a conversation easily while exercising, then increase the intensity a bit; increase to the point where talking is somewhat difficult.
Enjoy your exercising. Don't forget about the value of strength training for permanently increased metabolism.
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