What is the optimal duration for physical activity sessions for fitness?

The optimal duration for physical activity sessions for fitness is typically recommended to be between 30-60 minutes. This duration allows individuals to engage in sustained, moderate to vigorous exercise, leading to significant improvements in cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and overall health. Sessions lasting this long tend to maximize calorie burning and promote heart health while allowing the body to adapt to the stress of exercise, which is essential for gaining fitness benefits over time.

Shorter sessions, such as those lasting 10-20 minutes or 20-30 minutes, may not provide the same level of health benefits, especially if the intensity is not sufficiently high. While such durations can still contribute to physical activity goals, they are often more effective for beginners or for those engaging in lighter activities rather than for achieving broader fitness objectives. The 60-90 minute range might be beneficial for experienced athletes or those training for specific events, but it may exceed the needs of the general population focused on fitness and could lead to fatigue or injury if not approached with caution.