Latest / Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor / What are micro workouts and how do they work?
Transcript
- 0:00SPEAKER_00: What are micro workouts and how do they work?
- 0:04SPEAKER_00: Micro workouts are short bursts of physical activity that fit into your day, often lasting between one and ten minutes.
- 0:12SPEAKER_00: They allow you to move your body, build strength and increase your activity levels without needing to set aside time for a full workout.
- 0:22SPEAKER_00: They are particularly useful during a busy working day when you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk.
- 0:29SPEAKER_00: Micro workouts work by breaking physical activity into smaller, manageable sessions throughout the day rather than doing all your exercise at once.
- 0:42SPEAKER_00: For example, instead of exercising for 30 minutes in one session, you could do six five-minute movement breaks.
- 0:52SPEAKER_00: Short exercises such as squats, calf races and wall push-ups engage your muscles and help maintain strength.
- 1:02SPEAKER_00: Getting up and moving encourages circulation and reduces the stiffness associated with staying in one position.
- 1:11SPEAKER_00: Movement can also boost concentration by providing a refreshing pause between tasks.
- 1:21SPEAKER_00: Because they are short and convenient, micro workouts can make it easier to develop a regular movement habit.
- 1:29SPEAKER_00: Repeated sessions can contribute to your overall physical activity.
- 1:35SPEAKER_00: Micro workouts are useful, but their benefits depend on the type, intensity and frequency of activity.
- 1:43SPEAKER_00: They complement rather than replace longer exercise sessions and you should still aim to meet recommended weekly activity levels.
- 1:54SPEAKER_00: The most important thing is consistency, not perfection.
- 1:58SPEAKER_00: You do not need to wait until you have 30 minutes free to move your body.
- 2:05SPEAKER_00: If you are thinking of harming yourself or feel unsafe, please call your local emergency number or crisis line.