A Simple Way to Meet Your Weekly Exercise Goals

In our fast-paced world, finding time for exercise can be a challenge, especially if you’re busy and not accustomed to working out. The thought of meeting the recommended 150 minutes of exercise per week may seem daunting, but there’s a simple solution: embrace “exercise snacks.”

Dr. Shirisha Avadhanula, an endocrinologist, suggests adding “exercise snacks” to your daily routine. These are short, 15-minute bursts of exercise done twice a day during weekdays. For example, if you have an hour lunch break, you can dedicate the last 15 minutes to moderate-intensity exercise. You can then repeat this at the end of your workday.

This approach allows you to accumulate the recommended 150 total minutes of weekly exercise without the need for long, uninterrupted workout sessions. But what exactly is moderate-intensity exercise? According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it’s any physical activity that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat. This can include brisk walking, biking, a quick cardio circuit, or even pushing a lawn mower.

Incorporating these short bursts of exercise into your day can have numerous health benefits, such as reducing your risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and more. Dr. Avadhanula emphasizes that these small efforts can make a big impact on your overall health.

So, if you’re struggling to find time for exercise, consider adding “exercise snacks” to your daily routine. It’s a simple yet effective way to stay active and meet your weekly exercise goals. Happy snacking!