Do you ever wake up and you’re already tired because you’re thinking of the millions of things you need to get done and somehow you need to find time to move your butt? I know I do!
Well, there might just be a way and it’s a new and bold approach to fitness. Introducing the “Fitness Snacks”! The term ‘fitness snacks’ or otherwise known as “exercise snacking” are the latest buzz words in the fitness industry and it’s not what you think.
It’s a trendy new concept that refers to short bursts of physical activity lasting anywhere from 30 seconds to 5-10 minutes. Sorry no food here! But the fun thing is, they can either be a bite size workout or you can stack the exercises and create a full workout if you have the time.
Let’s be honest life’s demands can make it challenging to stick to a regular workout routine. But “exercise snacking” can be a real game changer for those who find it difficult to find time for longer workouts or for those who simply want to vamp up their daily activities.
When can you do these bite size workouts you ask? Anytime, anywhere! That’s the beauty of it! You can insert them throughout your day, between meetings, during work breaks, putting the kids down for a nap, or while watching TV. Hey, listen, the average person spends approximately two and a half hours, give or take, scrolling on social media daily. There’s always time for a snack or two every day!
Let’s jump into the benefits
- ● Improve cardiovascular health
- ● Increase endurance
- ● Enhance muscle strength
- ● Improve flexibility
- ● Boost metabolism
- ● Improve blood sugar regulation
Not to mention a stress buster and mood enhancer. The list is endless!
What do these snacks look like you ask? Here are some examples!
Quick and Easy
- ● Stair climbing for 3 minutes or simply take the stairs instead of the elevator
- ● Jumping Jacks, add a hand touchdown in for an extra oomph!
- ● Squats, 50 a day and you’ll have a booty made of granite
- ● Push-ups against the wall, your desk, a chair or the floor! Take your pick!
- ● Planks, try a side plank or a plank with a knee tuck, there are many to choose from
- ● Brisk walking with “brisk” being the operative word
- ● Dance, like nobody is watching
And for the more active and eager bunch
- ● Sprints, which you can do down your street or find a hill (killer alert!)
- ● Kettle Bells, some of my favourites being the swing, cleans, lunges, halos or goblet squats
- ● Strength based activities with weights like box step-ups or renegade rows
Remember, these exercise snacks can be done anywhere from 30 seconds to 5-10 minutes in length and you can mix and match any of these or stack them to create a full workout.
Bottom line is, while exercise snacking will provide short burst of activity throughout the day it’s still recommended to incorporate regular workouts two to three times a week to improve overall health.
Be creative, be bold and be fit for longevity! You’ll thank me later!
