When someone mentions snacks, we usually think of crisps, chocolate bars or biscuits. Most of us know that too many of those are not doing our waistline any favours.
But there is another type of snack that is very good for you: an exercise snack.
An exercise snack is exactly what it sounds like. Instead of setting aside an hour to go to the gym or out for a run, you do a small burst of exercise that takes just a minute or two. Think of it as the fitness equivalent of grabbing a quick bite between meals.
You might think that a couple of minutes of exercise can’t possibly do any good, but remember one important fact: if you currently do very little exercise, then doing almost anything is likely to bring benefits. Research consistently shows that the biggest health gains come when people move from being inactive to being even a little active.
Exercise snacks are perfect for busy people. You don’t need special equipment, sports clothing or a gym membership. You simply use a few spare moments throughout the day.
Some of the easiest examples include:
A set of press-ups while waiting for the kettle to boil.
Twenty air squats before getting in the shower.
A one-minute plank before dinner.
Walking or jogging up a flight of stairs a few times.
Standing up from a chair and sitting back down repeatedly for a minute.
None of these are complicated, but they all challenge your muscles and cardiovascular system.
The beauty of exercise snacks is that they remove one of the biggest barriers to exercise: time. Most people can find a minute. If you do four or five of these mini-sessions spread across the day, you’ve accumulated far more activity than you would have otherwise.
There is another benefit too. Exercise no longer becomes something you do only at the gym. Instead, movement becomes woven into your day. Over time, that mindset shift can be incredibly powerful.
Of course, exercise snacks are not a complete replacement for longer walks, strength training sessions or cycling rides. But they are a great place to start and a useful addition even if you already exercise regularly.
So next time you feel like reaching for a snack, perhaps consider an exercise snack instead; your body will thank you for it.
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