This month's challenge

A lack of time is one of the main reasons people struggle to incorporate exercise into their lives. Dedicating a full hour at the gym a few times a week is a big commitment, especially if you already feel like you’re balancing a lot.

This August, we’re exploring ‘exercise snacking’, a trend backed by science that proves brief, intense bursts of activity can deliver measurable improvements in cardiovascular health and strength. Ideal for those who are short on time but want to feel the benefits of improved fitness.

What Is Exercise Snacking?

‘Exercise snacking’ refers to small bouts of physical activity performed throughout the day. Instead of setting aside a long workout session, you break it down into mini-exercises you can do in just a few minutes. Think:

• 60 seconds of squats before your morning coffee
  
• 2-minute plank between meetings
• 3 rounds of jumping with a skipping rope after work
• A brisk walk up the escalator instead of standing still
• Star jumps while you wait for the kettle to boil and again while your tea brews

Why It Works

Studies show that short, intense sessions of exercise can significantly improve cardiovascular and metabolic health. A 2019 study in the Journal of Applied Physiology found that brief stair-climbing sessions, spaced throughout the day, enhanced cardiorespiratory fitness in sedentary adults.

Research has also found a positive effect on blood sugar levels for people with both type I and II diabetes and an improvement in mood and energy.

We all know that modern life means many of us have too much sedentary time. Exercise snacking reduces this and at the same time makes fitness more accessible and realistic.

How to Start

Create cues throughout your day. Place your skipping rope near your desk. Set a reminder on your phone to do push-ups or star jumps every few hours. Start a new habit of dancing to one song while you make your morning coffee.

It’s not about perfection, it’s about consistency and finding something enjoyable for you. 

Products to Support You

Our Resistance Bands are perfect for strength-based movement in small spaces.

We also love the Tangram SmartRope, an award-winning piece of equipment which records and motivates through the SmartRope app. Every jump you manage, minute you spend jumping and calorie you burn is recorded to push you further.

Pack them in your Sweat Bag or Kit Bag and pop it into your backpack so you’re always ready for a quick burst.

Small Bursts, Big Impact

We’d love to see the exercise snacks you’re adding to your daily routine.

Tag @lapochettelife on Instagram and share your progress. The most inspiring submission will win a £150 La Pochette voucher and be featured on our social media!

Join in this month and see how little moments of movement can add up to major changes.