Movement snacks are a newer concept in health, and are especially important if you spend a lot of time sitting. The concept comes from Katy Bowman’s book “Move Your DNA: Restore Your Health Through Natural Movement (2014).” Basically, it’s all about fitting in short bursts of movement throughout the day—like 5-10 minutes here and there—rather than doing one long workout. The idea is to break up all that sitting, which can have some not-so-great effects on your body, even if you’re hitting the gym regularly. Your doctor and GP can give you further tips on how to exercise safely and effectively to improve your health.
Here’s why they matter:
- Beat the Sitting Blues: Sitting too long can mess with your posture, circulation, and even your metabolism. Movement snacks help balance that out and keep things moving.
- Better Posture & Flexibility: Little stretches or light exercises throughout the day help your body stay mobile and your muscles from getting stiff, especially if you’re glued to a desk or screen.
- Boost Your Energy: Even a quick walk or a few squats can give you a little energy boost and help shake off that sluggish feeling, especially when you’re stuck in a long meeting or working for hours.
- Sharper Mind: A little movement can help improve focus and clear up brain fog. It’s like hitting the refresh button for your mind.
- Stress Buster: Moving around releases endorphins—those feel-good chemicals—so you’re not just helping your body but your mood too.
- Easy & Quick: You don’t need a gym or a lot of time. Just a couple minutes of stretching or jumping jacks can do the trick. Great to kickstart your healthcare journey in 2025!
It’s really about finding small ways to get up and move that fit into your day, without needing to carve out extra time for a full workout. These are small ways to take charge of your personal health. So, whether it’s a few squats, stretches, or a quick walk around the block, those “movement snacks” can add up and make a big difference to your health!
You can speak to a doctor or GP to get yourself checked up and see if you have any health issues before starting the practice of movement snacks.