Finding Simple Ways to Incorporate Exercise Into Your Daily Life

“The study really highlights that to be healthier, you have to first observe how much you are moving or not moving,” says Anand Rohatgi, MD, a preventive cardiologist and a professor of at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. “Then set some goals to do a little bit more with respect to standing, walking, moving, and more actual exercise.”

For Dr. Rohatgi, the research indicates that constant sitters may benefit from simple work breaks that don’t require regimented exercise sessions, such as making time to stand up at your desk or going for a 10-minute walk every few hours.

Jay Dawes, PhD, an associate professor of applied exercise science at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, urges people to find ways to sneak more activity into their day, such as taking the stairs, parking farther away from store and workplace entrances, and walking during phone meetings.

He adds that individuals should incorporate a balance of strength-building and stretching into their daily activities along with cardiovascular exercise. “Just having some base level of strength is really important,”says Dr. Dawes.

His overall takeaway from the study is that any activity can make a difference when it comes to improving health. “The key is to just do something,” he says.