The duration of cardiovascular conditioning should generally be:

The recommended duration for cardiovascular conditioning typically falls within the range of 20 to 60 minutes. This timeframe is supported by guidelines from health organizations that emphasize the importance of engaging in aerobic exercise to improve cardiovascular health, enhance endurance, and support overall fitness goals.

Engaging in cardiovascular activities for at least 20 minutes allows the body to enter a steady state of exertion where it can effectively burn fat and improve efficiency in oxygen utilization. Ending the workout around 60 minutes is beneficial for more experienced individuals seeking to maximize cardiovascular fitness while preventing overtraining or excessive fatigue.

Shorter durations, such as 5-10 minutes, are generally insufficient for achieving cardiovascular benefits. They do not allow enough time for the heart rate to elevate significantly or for the body to adapt to the demands of sustained activity. On the other hand, durations extending to 60-90 minutes or 1-2 hours are often more suitable for specific training goals or endurance events but may not be necessary for most general fitness enthusiasts aiming to maintain or improve cardiovascular health. This makes the 20-60 minute window the most applicable for a wide range of participants.