The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) provides guidelines for maintaining overall health. These are less strenuous and require an accumulation of activity rather than continuous activity.

• Accumulate 30 minutes or more of moderate-intensity activity on a daily basis. This means you can do 10 minutes here, and 10 minutes there; the key is that it needs to be at a brisk enough pace to elevate your heart rate. Leisurely strolls are great for the muscles and for burning calories, but your heart needs to be somewhat challenged to reap the health benefits of exercise.
• Beginners should start with a few minutes of activity and gradually build up to 30 minutes. Remember, anything is better than nothing!
• Your choice of activities is vast and can include, walking, walking up stairs, gardening, raking leaves, shoveling snow, dancing, etc.