How many minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity are recommended weekly?

The recommendation of 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity per week is based on guidelines from health organizations such as the American Heart Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Engaging in vigorous activities raises your heart rate significantly and improves cardiovascular fitness, which can contribute to overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

This level of activity is considered sufficient to gain health benefits, particularly for those who are already accustomed to regular physical activity. It is often recommended in conjunction with moderate activity recommendations, where individuals are advised to also accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity per week, making a balanced approach to fitness that can cater to different preferences and capacities.

In contrast, other amounts of activity listed do not align with current guidelines for vigorous intensity. For example, while 60 minutes of vigorous activity may provide health benefits, it is above the minimum recommended threshold, which is established at 75 minutes. Each of the other options also falls short of the guidelines defining the minimum effective amount of vigorous activity. Therefore, as per the latest guidelines, 75 minutes is the established benchmark for achieving significant health benefits through vigorous aerobic exercises.