Set an exercise pace that feels good to you. Rate your level of exertion by the Rating of Perceived Exertion scale (range of 6 to 20 where 6 = very, very light, and 20 = very, very hard); 12 to 14 is a good target zone. For more information, see the General Exercise Guidelines factsheet.
Depending on your level of conditioning, experiment with the "interval approach," this involves a day of rest between exercise sessions and short rests between exercise bouts.
If you are deconditioned, or do not exercise regularly, begin your exercise program by exercising for 10 to 20 minutes per session, at 2- to 4-minute intervals, with a 1-minute rest between intervals.
You may gradually increase your exercise up to 30 to 40 minutes per session, if you experience no problems.
Exercise for at least three sessions per week and on alternate days.
