text: how much is considered a good workout per day? i've heard things like "i do so many push-ups and so many sit-ups per day".  how many is really good to do per day for push ups, sit ups, and pull ups?  how much is considered in shape, and how much is considered outstanding shape? you should shoot for a minimum of 20-30 minutes a day of moderate to active exercise daily. don't try to exceed 60 minute until your fitness level can easily maintain that maximum and only then if you are actively working on increasing your strength development, endurance or weight loss. you need a minimum of moderate exercise of 10 to 15 minute to get you body in a calorie burning mode. choose exercises that you can maintain at a steady pace for a 20 to 30 minute duration and allow warm up and cool down time if you hit it hard. always stretch and warm up  before beginning regardless. you don't have to do it all in one shot for a longer work out, but don't do it for any less than the minimum or you will gain little to no benefit for your efforts.