Randy,
I always try to do a full set of active and inactive exercise together. The meditation only one of them. I alternate between the Small Universe and Self Concentration. I also add a few practices that Gallen suggested for me. You can see that from my post on back pain.
I read somewhere that the movement of the active exercise is to help us on focus and moving the qui. So for us beginners, I could think if we have to choose one type a day, I will do two days for active and then the third day for inactive. I strongly believe that we need to spend a certain time on one type to bring in the qui movement for our body. By that, I meant concentrate the 30 minutes on one type of exercise.
A lot depend on your own health too. Not everyone can do all that in the beginning. Remember, it does get better. If you are in good health, do the full set. If not, take you time to do one form.
Take a look at the TOPIC
Title: Question For Pete ... Dated back to Feb 2001
(It has some discussion on time for the exercises there.)
Also, do search on "7 STEPS" . There are lot of good insights on doing the 7 STEPS lately.
[This message has been edited by Bluebird (edited September 26, 2002).]