The World Health Organization recommends that whatever type of cardio exercise you choose to do, you should do it for at least 10 minutes at a time to get the most benefits from it. If you engage in moderate-intensity workouts, such as a brisk walk, then 30 minutes every day can help you reap a variety of benefits.

Now, cardio. For weight loss, the National Institutes of Health recommends at least 30 to 45 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise three to five days a week. But you can maximize your sweat sessions for efficiency if you alternate between high- and low-intensity workouts each day, says Forsythe.

The Physical Activity Guidelines issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity—think of it as 30 minutes, five days a week—for all adults, even the elderly and disabled.

Cardiovascular exercise Generally, aim to do either : 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio activity at least five days per week (150 minutes per week) at least 25 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity three days per week (75 minutes per week)

The ideal breakdown of cardio and strength work varies depending on your specific goals, but in general, four to five days a week of exercise will do the trick if you're aiming to improve or maintain your fitness.

Is it safe to do cardio every day? In a 2012 study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology, researchers found that doing up to 60 minutes of cardio exercise daily is safe and appropriate, particularly if weight loss is a goal.