Take a walk break twice an hour
24 Jan 2023 by Ted Escobedo
2 min read
Unfortunately, Americans of all ages are sitting more and walking less. Now a recent study by Columbia University reveals that walking just 5 minutes each half hour reduces the health risks of prolonged sitting. The study focused on the minimum amount of walking necessary to help offset the damaging effects of sitting for too long in one place. Interestingly, the study also showed that the 5-minute recommendation applies to everyone – including those who regularly exercise. Here’s how to get a walking snack in every half hour:
Set a timer on your phone. If you happen to have a Fitbit or a fitness app in your phone you can set up reminders to take a five-minute walk break. Get up, get moving-it’s that simple. Whether you are chained to a computer screen at your desk or simply obsessed with the latest binge-worthy show, you can take five minutes to benefit your health. It becomes a matter of resetting your priorities. Use your stopwatch on your phone and keep walking for the full five minutes. Make your five minutes count. If the weather is nice outside take a lap around your house or office. The fresh air and sunlight offer added benefits. If you are at home, make putting away laundry or another household chore a little more fun by fitting in your five minutes of walking into that task. Once you get into the habit of walking for a few
minutes you will begin to look forward to it and find that not only are
you helping to improve your health, but you will also welcome the mental
break as well.
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