How many days a week should I do cardio?

Author: Dr. Shanna Nicolas III  |  Last update: Tuesday, October 28, 2025

The more you exercise, the more calories you'll burn. If you're trying to lose weight, you should aim for doing cardio at least five days per week for a total of at least 250 minutes (4 hours, 10 minutes) each week. Contrary to what many believe, you can do aerobic exercise seven days per week.

How many times should I do cardio in a week?

  • General Fitness: If your goal is overall health and fitness, aim for 2-3 days of cardio per week, combined with strength training on the other days.
  • Weight Loss: For weight loss, you might increase cardio to 4-5 days a week, incorporating both moderate and high-intensity sessions.

Is 3 days a week of cardio enough?

  • General Fitness: If your goal is overall health and fitness, aim for 2-3 days of cardio per week, combined with strength training on the other days.
  • Weight Loss: For weight loss, you might increase cardio to 4-5 days a week, incorporating both moderate and high-intensity sessions.

Is it okay to cardio everyday?

Yes, it is okay to do cardio every day. Desirable, in fact. Daily doses of cardio is the best way to provoke positive metabolic adaptations having to with mitochondrial function, which is the primary problem you need to solve if you are trying to optimize health & longevity.

Does cardio burn belly fat?

Regular cardio exercises like running, cycling, or swimming are very effective for belly fat reduction. Cardio increases your heart rate, which helps burn calories and can contribute to a calorie deficit -- the key to fat loss.

How Many Times Per Week Should I Do Cardio? (MORE IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER) | LiveLeanTV

What cardio burns the most fat?

HIIT is among the best cardio for fat loss because it provides a well-rounded workout while burning a ton of fat and calories. “HIIT workouts can vary greatly, from 500 calories per hour to 1500-plus calories per hour for a 180-lb man.

Do I need rest days from cardio?

While it's fine to exercise when your energy levels are low, sometimes a rest day may do you more good so you can recharge, ready to give your next workout everything you've got. Jordane advises taking up to three rest days a week if you're exercising for general health and wellbeing.

Is 20 minutes of cardio enough to lose weight?

If you are wondering whether doing a 20-minute workout daily can make a difference, then here you go: YES, it can! A 20-minute effective workout like HIIT(high-intensity interval training) can help you achieve your weight loss goal.

Should I do cardio or weights first?

If you are training for a 5K or a marathon, you will want to do cardiovascular training first for maximum performance. If you want to increase your muscle strength, do strength training first when your muscles are not fatigued from cardio.

Does walking count as cardio?

Is Just Walking Enough Cardio? The fitness experts we spoke to agree: Yes, walking can totally “count” as your cardio workout if you format your walking workout to be challenging enough for your body. To maintain a healthy fitness level, try to walk at least three days a week.

What exercise burns the most belly fat?

Activities like running, cycling, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) burn more calories and fat throughout the body, including the upper belly, lower belly, and obliques. So, while ab exercises can help define your core, it's a holistic approach that will help you lose the fat covering those muscles.

Does cardio burn fat or muscle?

Cardio: Cardio exercises are effective for burning fat and can lead to overall weight loss, including both fat and muscle mass. However, depending solely on cardio for weight loss might result in some muscle loss, which could be counterproductive in the long run.

How many rest days a week?

But most people should aim for 1 to 3 rest days per week. You can use your rest days to support recovery by doing light exercise and working on mobility. Your workout schedule may not always go as planned. So listen to your body and take a rest day when you feel depleted or have unusual aches and pains.

Is it bad to do cardio 7 days a week?

According to Gam, you can—and should—do light cardio, like walking, every day; however, engaging in moderate-to-high intensity cardio seven days a week is not advised. “I would recommend everyone, even the fittest athletes, be taking at least one rest day per week for recovery,” says Gam.

What type of cardio is best for fat loss?

Some of the most popular gym cardio exercises include:
  • Running on the treadmill. A 30-minute session on a treadmill at 6 mph (a 10-minute mile pace) can burn approximately 350 calories.
  • Cycling on a stationary or exercise bike. ...
  • Using the rowing machine. ...
  • Working out on the elliptical.

Is 1 hour of cardio enough to lose weight?

Cardio's role in helping you shed pounds is burning calories. The more you exercise, the more calories you'll burn. If you're trying to lose weight, you should aim for doing cardio at least five days per week for a total of at least 250 minutes (4 hours, 10 minutes) each week.

Should I do both cardio and weights?

Short answer: Yes. “For those just starting, experts often advocate incorporating both cardio and weights. This balanced approach not only enhances overall fitness but also aids in weight loss and establishes a solid foundation for more advanced training,” says Assal.

Is it better to walk 30 minutes or 60 minutes?

You might start with five minutes a day the first week, and then increase your time by five minutes each week until you reach at least 30 minutes. For even more health benefits, aim for at least 60 minutes of physical activity most days of the week.

What is a flat tummy walk?

A “flat tummy walk” is a type of exercise that is intended to help tone and strengthen the. abdominal muscles, leading to a flatter stomach. This type of exercise typically involves engaging the core muscles and walking at a brisk pace. It can be done indoors or outdoors and doesn't require any equipment.

Does cardio get rid of belly pooch?

To burn off visceral fat, your first step is to include at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise or cardio into your daily routine. Studies show that aerobic exercises for belly fat help reduce belly fat and liver fat. Some great cardio of aerobic exercises for belly fat include: Walking, especially at a quick pace.

Which fruit is best for a flat tummy?

6 fruits that help get a flat belly
  • 2/9. ​Apples. ...
  • 3/9. ​Bananas. ...
  • 4/9. Oranges. ...
  • 5/9. Melons. ...
  • 6/9. Lemons. ...
  • 7/9. Tomatoes. ...
  • 8/9. How do fruits help with weight loss? ...
  • 9/9. Which are the most nutritious fruits?

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