I don't want to minimize time, I want to maximize the benefit/time ratio, where time includes maintenance expenses (like showering, getting to the gym) as well. I.e. if jogging every day for an hour provides X "fitness points", but you can also get those X "fitness points" by doing e.g. weightlifting 3 times a week, I prefer to go for the second option. It can be painful - I won't like it, but when I work out I don't do it for pleasure (which I generally never got from exercises); its means to an end. End being losing weight, keeping cognitive power at full capacity, living longer.