There’s a buzz around this fitness trend, but what is it and how can it work for you?
What is exercise snacking?
It is the phrase for bite-sized workouts you can perform throughout the day. These bursts of exercise can be as brief as a few minutes, and they add up over the day. The idea of exercise snacking is to keep your body moving consistently, even if it's just for a few minutes at a time.
What are the benefits?
Some key benefits include breaking up prolonged periods of sitting, which is excellent for overall health and keeping your body active. It also aids in weight management, improves posture, can boost productivity and metabolism, and elevates mood.
How often and for how long?
The fantastic thing about exercise snacking is that it's flexible. You can start with just a few minutes a few times a day and gradually increase the duration and frequency as you get more comfortable. The key is consistency — aim for several 'snacks' a day.
The power of NEAT
NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) revolves around the calories burned during everyday activities. Simple choices like taking the stairs instead of the lift or tidying up the house contribute to NEAT, and we tend to burn more calories overall from these activities than from planned exercise. Exercise snacking is an excellent way to incorporate exercise into your daily life. These mini-workouts engage various muscle groups, leading to improved muscle tone and increased calorie burn. It can also help control cravings and boost energy levels.
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Tips from Dean Zweck, Product Development Manager at Total Fitness