This article originally appeared MindBodyGreen.com.
Whether it's the middle of a busy work season, motivation is low, or you're just beginning to build a consistent workout routine, deciding what type of exercise is best for you and how often to do it can be challenging.
To make it a little more straightforward, mbg spoke with personal trainers, physical therapists, and family medicine doctors to help gauge how often you should be working out and why variation matters. Plus, a two-week workout plan to help you get started.
How often should you be working out?
According to the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, the average adult should engage in at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity every week. That's between two and a half and five hours per week. If you are performing high-intensity exercise, the guidelines recommend 75 to 150 minutes.