Which exercise intensity should be achieved before patients aim to increase duration?

Achieving moderate intensity before focusing on increasing the duration of exercise is essential for several reasons. Moderate intensity exercise helps ensure that patients are working at a level that enhances cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and overall endurance. At this intensity, patients typically reach a higher heart rate and improve oxygen consumption, which are critical factors for achieving meaningful health benefits.

Once patients are capable of exercising at moderate intensity, it indicates they have built a certain level of fitness and are better prepared to extend the time they spend exercising. Attempting to increase duration at lower intensities, such as light or very light, may not provide the same benefits in terms of fitness improvements and could lead to stagnation in progress. Heavy intensity, on the other hand, can increase the risk of injury or excessive fatigue, particularly for those who are not yet accustomed to prolonged physical activity.

Thus, emphasizing moderate intensity sets a solid foundation for patients to safely and effectively increase their exercise duration while still progressing towards their health and fitness goals.