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Exercise Snacks: Fun and Easy Ways to Be Active

April 16, 2025 General /Family
We all know being active is good for our health, but between school, work, TV, and video games, both kids and parents spend a lot of time sitting. Finding time for exercise can feel overwhelming, but there’s a simple solution—exercise snacks!

What Are Exercise Snacks?

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Exercise snacks are short bursts of movement that last one to five minutes.

Think of them as mini-workouts that fit easily into your day. No gym, special equipment, or extra time needed!

To benefit from exercise snacking, aim for at least three (3) exercise snacks a day or more.

These quick activities add up over time, helping to build healthy habits and improve overall well-being.

Benefits of Exercise Snacks

These small bursts of activity can:

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Support Heart Health:

Short, quick movements can strengthen the heart and improve circulation.

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Build Muscle Strength:

Regular activity helps muscles grow and stay strong.

Boost Mood and Focus:

Physical activity releases endorphins, which help improve mood and sharpen concentration.

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Fun Exercise Snack Ideas for Kids (and Parents too!)

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Make It a Family Affair
Kids learn by watching their parents. When families exercise together, they build healthy habits and spend quality time together. Consider setting reminders or making a fun activity chart to track everyone’s movement.

Try these simple activities to get moving:
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Stair Climbing

Go up and down the stairs for a minute.

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Jumping Jacks

A quick and fun, full-body workout.

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Skipping Rope

Great for the heart and coordination.

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Chair Squats

Sit and stand using a chair for support.

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Lunges

Strengthen legs and improve balance.

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Push-ups

Do them on the floor or against a wall.

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Dancing

Turn on a favorite song and move!

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Ball Toss

Throwing and catching helps coordination.

Easy Ways to Add Exercise Snacks to Your Day

  • During TV Commercials: Use these breaks for a quick activity like jumping jacks.
  • Work or Homework Breaks: Short movement sessions or a quick walk around the block can refresh the mind and body.
  • Morning Routine: Start the day with a couple of minutes of stretching or dancing.
  • Pre-Dinner Time: While waiting for dinner, encourage a fun activity like skipping rope.

Exercise Snacks + Healthy Eating = A Stronger Body

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Being active is important and eating well helps fuel the body. WIC-approved foods offer the nutrients you and your children need to stay energized and grow strong.

Here are a few food and exercise combos to try:

  • After a fun dance session, offer a banana or apple slices with peanut butter for a natural energy boost.
  • Following a round of jumping jacks, offer a yogurt cup for protein to help build muscles.
  • Before heading outside to play, offer a whole-grain tortilla with cheese to provide the strength they need to keep going.
  • For hydration after active play, offer a glass of low-fat milk or water instead of sugary drinks.

Safety Tips

Before getting started, keep these in mind:

  • Warm-Up: start with gentle movements to prepare your muscles for activity.
  • Proper Footwear: wear appropriate shoes to prevent injuries.
  • Listen to Your Body: if you feel any pain or discomfort, stop.
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By adding exercise snacks into you and your child’s day, you’re promoting a healthier lifestyle in a fun and manageable way.

These mini-movements all add up to big benefits over time, promoting healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

REFERENCES

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/exercise-snacks

Author: Amanda Hojnacki