If you’re like most people, you spend a lot of time during the day sitting. New research out of the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds that “microwalking,” walking in short bursts between sits throughout the day, helps burn calories and gets you to a healthier weight. Of course, microwalks, in tandem with strength training and aerobic exercise, is the ideal way to go.
Research continues to show that exercise of all sorts is good for your brain and body, reducing your risk of chronic disease, making you feel better and helping you to live longer. That said, Professor I-Min Lee finds that walking is a “wonder drug.” It’s good for your heart, your mood and your general well-being. It’s also good for your metabolism.
Consider standing up and taking a short walk periodically throughout the day. Maybe, set a timer to remind you. My Apple Watch reminds me each hour to stand. Until I got it, I often would sit for hours reading and writing, never budging from my chair.
Your body uses the greatest amount of energy in the first 30 seconds that you begin to move. Interestingly, that energy boost happens whether you are walking for 30 seconds or for ten minutes. So the more of those energy boosts you can do in a day, arguably the better!
Professor Lee has found that extra movement of this type can add two additional years to your life.
Here’s more from Just Care:
- Walk more, sleep better
- Walkable communities good for your memory
- The benefits of walking barefoot at home
- Walk as much as possible, especially in the hospital
- If you’re over 70 and have trouble walking, talk to your doctor
