Ask the experts: Cardio exercise

Q: I love doing yoga and pilates, but how much cardio do I need to incorporate into my exercise?

Jemma Losh, via email

A: Exercise Physiologist Michael Hennessy writes:

“Variety and enjoyment are essential to maintaining an active lifestyle. The current national physical activity guidelines prescribe a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate intensity cardiovascular activity, five days a week. ‘Moderate intensity’ means any activity where you are moving – like yoga, pilates, walking, or even gardening or housework – and can be accumulated in 10-minute (or more) increments. It’s recommended that we also get 30 minutes of vigorous exercise 3–4 times a week, such as cycling, running, exercise classes or swimming. Depending on your individual goals, you might want to increase these ‘minimums’ for weight management or weight loss.”