Or take walking. We can benefit from fewer steps in a day than is commonly believed, as the BBC has previously reported. One step-count study found that taking 2,517-2,735 steps per day reduces cardiovascular risk by 11% compared to taking only 2,000 steps.
When it comes to how you exercise, there are numerous options. You could go rock climbing, join a dance class or try some something a little more vigorous like high-intensity interval training, which can improve blood sugar control and blood pressure, as well as reducing body fat.
I’ve certainly had sore arms when carrying food shopping home instead of taking the car. But it seems that discomfort can be worth it.
So next time you’re waiting for your pasta to boil or watching TV, perhaps include a set of squats, leg kicks or press ups. These little “exercise snacks” all add up. They are certainly “snacks” you won’t ever need to feel guilty about.
