When there are deadlines to meet, emails to reply to, and an overwhelming to-do list, fitting movement into your day can seem impossible. That’s where exercise snacking can help.
The basic idea of this fitness trend is to break a longer workout into bite-sized chunks. So you could do a few five-minute workouts throughout your day, or squeeze a one-minute workout in between meetings.
If that sounds of interest, check out this session from trainer Lindsey Bomgren—she says it helped her clock up 850 steps in five minutes.
How to do Lindsey Bomgren's five-minute walking workout
"I created this workout because the majority of my job is actually spent sitting at a desk all day," Bomgren says in her video. "So if you just need a quick desk break, a quick walk break or just a quick way to boost your energy outside of another cup of coffee, you’re gonna do this five-minute walking workout."
Bomgren says you can expect to hit a minimum of 500 steps during the routine, but she racked up 850 on her tracker. The routine contains basic step movements and standing exercises to strengthen your core.
The benefits of exercise snacking
Even though this session is short and sweet, it still offers plenty of benefits.
"Studies show that even short bouts of exercise can boost your metabolism, cardiovascular health and your mood," says fitness trainer Chloe Thomas.
Practicing this quick routine could help you form healthier habits, too.
"I think exercise snacking is a really good way to overcome the all-or-nothing mindset that a lot of people have because you are fitting activity in your life in a way that feels achievable for you.
"Over time, the small bouts of exercise could actually lead to you doing bigger bouts and this could lead to significant long-term benefits," she adds.
Shop walking shoes
One of the benefits of walking is that it requires little equipment, but if your footwear needs an upgrade we recommend the sneakers below. They are all taken from our round-up of the best walking shoes and offer comfort and support for your strolls. You can use them for routines like the above, or this outdoor 10-minute walking workout.
This is our favorite walking shoes, offering tons of soft cushioning and a good amount of energy return.
This comfortable shoe is often less than half the price of its rivals.
The grippy undersole makes these shoes great for both slippery concrete and trail walks.
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