New research suggests that "exercise snacks," short bursts of physical activity lasting just a few minutes, may offer meaningful health benefits. Studies have linked these brief movement breaks to improvements in cardiovascular health, blood sugar control, fitness, muscle strength, mood, and energy levels.

Whether it's taking the stairs, going for a brisk walk after a meal, or doing a few minutes of bodyweight exercises, these short bouts of movement can add up. Research even suggests that exercise snacks may be just as effective as longer workouts for some health outcomes. As Matthew E. Sikina, MD, sports medicine physician at HSS, noted, shorter bouts of exercise "could be more approachable" for many people, making it easier to build healthy movement into everyday life. In other words, when it comes to exercise, every minute counts.

Read the full article at medscape.com.