Although current exercise guidelines reportedly recommend a 150-minute weekly target, researchers are reportedly stating that these standards might be unrealistic, according to BBC News.

Instead, new research reportedly suggests that people who are sedentary should focus on small increases in their activity level, according to CBS News.

The current exercise standards should not be overlooked. It is important to take note that lighter exercise is important as well and those who are sedentary shouldn’t be discouraged by the 150-minute target.

Some activity is reportedly better than none when it comes to improving one’s health, according to one of the study’s authors, Phillip Sparling, a professor in the School of Applied Physiology at Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta.

“Think of exercise or physical activity as a continuum where one wants to move up the scale a bit and be a little more active, as opposed to thinking a specific threshold must be reached before any benefits are realized,” stated Sparling.

Sparling reportedly stated that doctors should tailor their advice, particularly for older patients.

Sparling’s review of six studies reportedly found that compared with doing nothing, walking one to 74 minutes weekly can reduce the risk of death from any cause by 19 percent. Light exercise can reportedly gradually lead to more intense exercise.

“Once a routine and mindset are established, adding more activity may be easier,” stated Sparling.

According to Jeffrey Katula, an associate professor in the Department of Health & Exercise Science at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, N.C., has stated that the key to staying motivated is to making exercise a positive experience.

“Many people simply do not like exercise but refuse to admit it. People need to understand how they think and feel about physical activity," Katula said.

He added, “There are usually good reasons why sedentary adults have been sedentary throughout their lives. Understanding these barriers can help people overcome them."