Exercise snacks: Tiny workouts that make a big difference

Tiny workouts that make a big difference (Photo: iStock)

When you think of snacks, your mind immediately jumps to food. A snack is typically a small amount of food eaten between the traditional main meals. This means a bit of nibbling at random intervals before lunch or dinner. The dangers of unchecked snacking are already well-known. However, there are other types of snacks, including what are known as 'exercise snacks'.

But what exactly is an exercise snack? The accepted definition refers to short bursts of physical activity, lasting anywhere from 10 seconds to a maximum of 10 minutes. The term is traced back to a US cardiologist in 2007. Any type of movement qualifies as an exercise snack. Think of walking, squats, dancing, climbing stairs, household chores, or anything else that gets you moving - and at whatever intervals you choose.