Exercise Snacks
Usually in this space, we give an easy and delicious low-carb or whole-food recipe to try that can help lower blood sugar or contribute to improved metabolic health. But we have something else for you to try: exercise snacks!
These are short bursts of activity that get you up from your desk, get your heart pumping and your muscles moving. In fact, in November 2023, researchers from UBC-Okanagan, working under Prof. Jonathan Little PhD (IPTN chief scientific officer, see story above) published a study showing short bursts of exercise for 1 to 10 minutes reduce the negative effects of prolonged sitting and contribute to improved fitness and health. Even just one exercise snack a day helps, but three or more is even better.
The paper suggests if exercise snacks became as routine as sitting, the workplace could become a healthier environment. Give it a try!
Ideas to try 3 to 5 times a day
dance to a pop song
do wall or desk push ups
climb 3 flight of stairs
do 10-12 squats or lunges
do sets of jumping jacks
run in place
skip with a rope
walk around the block
lift water bottle weights
do stretches or chair yoga