How long do I HAVE to workout?

I wish I was one of those people who enjoys working out - but I am not. Not yet, anyway... Maybe someday. But right now, it's a necessary evil for me. I work full-time and I am completing my masters program at night, so time is a huge factor. How long do I absolutely need to work out and how often? I usually do 3 sets on the variable weight machines (arms, shoulders, legs, quads, inner and outer thighs, back and stomach are all the target areas). My calves and legs have always been very muscular and I do not want my calves any bigger than they are. I am very round in the stomach area and have these teeny legs, so that's why I don't focus on building the muscle there - I maintain what I have with the cardio. I hate cardio - I sit there and watch the clock the whole time, but usually make myself do at least 25-30 minutes on the bike or treadmill. I was doing high intensity water aerobics and water spinning classes, but with the times of the classes are conflicting with school, so i need my own routine now. Any advice is much appreciated.

Earl gave you great advice. I would just add that if you really dread the cardio try to kick it up a notch my doing interval cardio aka HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training). Start off at a good pace for 5 minutes to warm up. Then take up the intensity on the machine and go as hard and as fast as you possibly can for a minute and then bring it back down for a minute or two -- however long it takes for you to recover enough to do it again. Then repeat. Do this for 20 - 25 minutes. Then make sure your last interval you are doing a cool down. ANY cardio machine will work. I find it also keeps me from being bored. I usually use the treadmill and alternate between running/sprinting and walking. Sometimes I also just put it at the highest incline instead of the sprint. Whatever gets my HR up to about 160 - 175. Then my recovery interval I try to get it back to the 120-130 range. I also use other machines as well - arc trainer, eliptical, and even swimming.

Melissa, I agree with both of these previous post. I just want to add that if you add music, reading or television to your cardio, it will make cardio seem shorter....dont look at the clock!....in fact take your masters stuff to the gym ....and kill two birds with one stone...If you notice...we like to kill birds around here

I have got rid of the music, and have switched to audio books. I find that I get lost in the story I am listening to and forget all about what time it is. Sometimes, I get so wrapped up in the story, that I do not want to stop exercising, just so I can keep listening to it. I only let myself listen while I am exercising. ((((((HUGS))))) Dawn