What is the minimum number of minutes of movement recommended by the CDC and American College of Sports Medicine to reduce heart disease risk by half?

The recommendation of thirty minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days aligns with guidelines set forth by both the CDC and the American College of Sports Medicine. This amount of movement has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Engaging in this level of activity regularly helps to improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart efficiency, lowering cholesterol levels, and managing blood pressure.

The thirty minutes can be broken down into shorter sessions throughout the day, making it manageable for individuals with varying schedules. This flexibility encourages consistent participation in physical activity, which is essential for long-term heart health. While some may move for longer durations, the evidence suggests that reaching the thirty-minute benchmark is effective in achieving substantial health benefits, particularly in lowering the risk of heart disease.