How much cardio might unfit individuals need to start with initially?

For individuals who are classified as unfit, starting with a manageable amount of cardio is crucial for building endurance and improving cardiovascular health. Initiating a cardio program with shorter durations, such as 20 minutes, allows these individuals to engage in physical activity without overwhelming them. This duration strikes a balance between being sufficiently challenging to promote adaptations in cardiovascular fitness while being attainable enough to encourage adherence to the exercise routine.

Starting at 20 minutes can help these unfit individuals gradually become accustomed to the physical demands of aerobic activities, reducing the risk of injury or burnout. As their fitness levels improve, they can progressively increase the duration and intensity of their workouts. This approach aligns with the principles of gradual progression and individualized fitness programming, which are essential for effective training, especially for those starting or returning to exercise after a significant break.

In contrast, longer durations like 25 or 30 minutes might be too demanding initially, potentially leading to discouragement or dropout. Thus, emphasizing a shorter yet effective duration like 20 minutes enables a favorable foundation for sustained activity.