What are exercise snacks? Doctors say these could be key to fighting obesity

What are exercise snacks? Doctors say these could be key to fighting obesity

New Delhi: According to experts, short bursts of exercise that last less than a minute could be beneficial for people who struggle to maintain a workout routine. This concept, known as exercise snacks, includes intense bouts of workout and can be particularly beneficial for people living a sedentary lifestyle or in case of those who are battling chronic health problems and obesity. As per an expert at the Centre of Lifestyle Medicine at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, this can include activities like brief cycling sessions or stair climbing separated by intervals of hours. Ideally, one must engage in 150 minutes of moderate-intensity workout every week or 75 minutes of vigorous workouts.

What are the benefits of exercise snacking?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) also recommends the same. However, in case of adults, this should be increased to 300 minutes to maintain optimal health in a long run. However, experts say that many people struggle to meet these targets which is why exercise snacking should be relied upon for maximum health benefits. Therefore, to reduce the side effects of prolonged sitting, one can resort to this solution. This can be more time-efficient than traditional workout regimes.

Experts also highlighted that studies have demonstrated the benefits of exercise snacking for cardiorespiratory fitness and vascular health. For example, stair-based exercise snacks can improve vascular health in healthy men. Another study showed their benefits and feasibility for overweight or obese people. However, there are many who to implement the same like people who are physically challenged or bus drivers or those who have a low workout capacity such as aged people.

Exercise snacks also have several health benefits to offer, especially when implemented in the daily routine. It can contribute to a reduced sedentary time and better metabolic health. The benefits can also be obtained from light workouts that may or may not qualify in this category. These can also be implented during work hours by either ditching the elevator and taking the steps or by taking office calls while walking around.

 Experts also highlighted that studies have demonstrated the benefits of exercise snacking for cardiorespiratory fitness and vascular health. For example, stair-based exercise snacks can improve vascular health in healthy men. Another study showed their benefits and feasibility for overweight or obese people.  Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare