Ask a Trainer: How Many Times a Week Should I Work Out?

Finding the “right” amount of times to exercise each week might take some guess-and-check work. “It’s important to take an active role in your programming and see what’s working for you, and see what’s not working for you,” says Holly Rilinger, Nike Master Trainer, author, and certified fitness trainer in New York City.

Not sure where to start? Most studies suggest a good baseline is 30 minutes, five days a week. Another way to think of it: The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes a week, which you can break up throughout the week as it fits your schedule.

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Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

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