As a kid, my mom often gave me “exercise snacks” without either of us knowing it.
She would send me down to our cold cement floor cellar to grab ingredients for her next recipe. Or she would ask me to go downstairs to fold laundry and distribute it two floors up to the proper bedrooms.
This worked out well for my quirky ADD brain. Now as an adult, I still run around doing little tasks involving extra stairs and steps, and carrying stuff to put away.
“Exercise Snacks” are what I like to call short little exercises you can easily incorporate into your daily life. They are a transformative solution that won’t hog your time.
These short bursts of physical activity can easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Just like you might grab a quick bite to eat between tasks, exercise snacks offer a convenient and effective way to stay active daily.
Whether it’s a couple of extra flights of stairs, or busting out a few squats while waiting for your kettle to boil, these mini activities can make a significant difference in how you feel.
Here are some key benefits of incorporating exercise snacks into your busy life:
Increased Energy:
Regular physical activity, even in short bursts, can help combat midday fatigue and boost your energy levels. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, try a quick exercise snack to recharge your batteries and stay alert. My favorite is to do two or three flights of stairs.
Improved Mood:
Exercise, even in short bursts, is a powerful mood booster, releasing endorphins that can help reduce stress and anxiety. Taking short breaks for physical activity throughout the day can leave you feeling more positive and resilient, even during busy times.
Enhanced Productivity:
Research shows that brief bouts of exercise can improve cognitive function and focus. By incorporating exercise snacks into your routine, you can sharpen your mental clarity and productivity, making it easier to tackle your to-do list with gusto.
Better Health:
Even small amounts of exercise can have significant health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Start small and find ways to sneak exercise snacks into your daily life. It might be taking the stairs for a quick break, doing a few squats while waiting for the kettle to boil, or going for a quick walk during your lunch break. Every little bit counts.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential, especially because holding onto muscle and mobility are necessary for rocking your midlife. By prioritizing your health and well-being with exercise snacks, you’ll not only feel better physically and mentally, but you will also be making the body you want in midlife, menopause and beyond.
Here’s to a happier, healthier, and more energized you!
PS– Exercise snacks are not meant to replace actual workouts. They are a great way to supplement your 2 to 4 days per week of resistance training. Interested in the best exercises for women over 40? Click here to read my blog post on the subject or sign up below to get my free video series.
talk soon,
Judy
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Free 3-Part video Series goes in-depth teaching you how to perform the above exercises step-by-step THE RIGHT WAY without getting hurt.