10/05/2022
Try an Exercise Snack!
Make 2022 the year of the exercise snack.
Just as you might grab a handful of chips or nuts to break the monotony of your day, an exercise “snack” is a short burst of movement you can enjoy at home or in the office or outdoors. It can last for mere seconds or for several minutes. You can do it while talking on the phone or just because you want to take an hourly break from sitting in your chair. You don’t even have to change your clothes.
A number of scientific studies show that exercise snacking several times a day leads to meaningful gains in fitness and overall health. A recent study concluded that even just 4-second bursts of exercise have been shown to improve fitness.
This week, try one or more of these exercise challenges to add short bursts of exercise throughout your day.
1. Add exercise to your phone call:
A work or social call is a great time to add some activity to your day — and the person on the other end of the phone doesn’t have to know about it. Just get up and start walking around your home as you talk. If you have hand weights, do some arm exercises. Do a yoga pose or a wall sit while you chat.
2. Add music to your movement break:
Every hour or few hours, turn on a favorite song, and dance or do jumping jacks or another physical activity. If you’ve got children or another adult at home, ask them to join you. Adding music to a walk or just taking a short dance break will enhance the restorative benefits.
Do the 7-Minute Standing Workout:
Take a 7-minute break, all you need is a wall, a chair for balance and sturdy chair.
Adapted form https://www.nytimes.com
