Quote Originally Posted by patrick0685 View Post
30 min of cardio is what i have heard, but then something is always better than nothing
From the mental standpoint, I also agree that something is better than nothing. Doing a short workout (<30min) will at least maintain some fitness and build a positive mindset. Optimally, I will do 15-30min of cardio followed by an hour of weights 4 times a week. Unfortunately my schedule sucks, but if I can squeak in 15min of cardio and 30min of low weight/high reps I feel like I am doing something beneficial. Hell, I'd go to the gym change into my shorts and then change back into jeans if it meant reinforcing a good habit. It's easy to write off working out because you don't have enough time to benefit.

Run, bike, or row for whatever little time you do have. If you kill yourself for 5 or 10 minutes, you're doing something worthwhile. Don't bullshit and don't gaze at any gym ass either. If time is your concern, shorten the time between sets and exercises.It's possible to raise your heart rate and get a killer cardiovascular workout while lifting weights.

Everything adds up slowly and there is never one giant gain. Even those short sessions will have a cumulative, positive affect on your physical health.