Exercise Snacks

Are you a snacker? A grazer? Maybe you eat three meals with a planned afternoon snack. Or maybe you find yourself nibbling all day long. Either way, those bites add up to the total calories you consume by the end of the day.

Now let’s flip that idea and think about movement.

Do you have a set workout time each day? Maybe you’re like me and love starting your morning with a gym session. Or maybe you’re like some of my friends who don’t even have a gym membership but are on the go all day, walking the dog and chasing kids. Either way, when your body moves, calories are going out.

Yes, the type and intensity of exercise matter, but movement is movement, and it is ALL good for your wellness!

So what if you can’t get a focused exercise in? Your movement all throughout the day can still add up.

Think of them as exercise snacks.

Dancing to your favorite song for a few minutes.

Jumping jacks at the top of each hour.

A quick lap around the office building or a couple flights of stairs after a meeting.

Ten pushups, ten situps, and a 30-second plank before lunch.

When I was working in IT with a day full of Zoom meetings, I would try to block off a five-minute wedge on my calendar between meetings, walk down the stairs, loop the parking lot, head back up, and log into the next call. It took maybe three minutes, but it got my body moving.

Just like consistent snacking day after day can show up on the scale, consistent movement breaks during the day can add up to better health, more energy, and yes, even fewer pounds.

If possible, aim to move at least every 30 minutes. That simple habit has powerful benefits for your heart, circulation, blood pressure, energy, and focus.

And a bonus: doing that movement after eating, such as taking a short walk, can help your body manage blood sugar, support digestion, and increase metabolism. It doesn’t have to be long. Just a few minutes.

Just1More rep.

Just1More lap.

Just1More minute.

It all counts!