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Weight-loss exercise: How do I fit it into my day?

I'm trying to lose weight by eating less and exercising more. My goal is to exercise 60 minutes a day, but I often don't have time to do all 60 minutes at once. In terms of weight-loss exercise, will I get the same results from two 30-minute workouts as I would from one 60-minute workout?

- Sarah / Colorado

Mayo Clinic dietitian Katherine Zeratsky, R.D., L.D., and colleagues answer select questions from readers.

Answer

Yes. With respect to weight-loss exercise, it doesn't matter whether you divide your workout into two 30-minute sessions, four 15-minute sessions or six 10-minute sessions. You will get similar results no matter how you accumulate your 60 minutes. The same holds true for the cardiovascular benefit of exercise. This is good news! Take the stairs, rake leaves, walk during your lunch break. It all adds up!

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Dec 2, 2008