What a Harvard-trained sports medicine doctor does when she doesn't feel like exercising: 'It's better than nothing'

When I say fitness snacks, I don't mean pre-workout shakes or protein bars.

Fitness snacks are short bursts of activity spread out throughout the day as opposed to one long workout session. For example, instead of a 30-minute workout, you can opt for multiple 5- or 10-minute movement breaks throughout the day.

One of the easiest ways to sneak in a fitness snack is by walking. When I don't have time to commit to a full workout, I'll take a 10-minute neighborhood stroll or do a few laps around my home or office.

It sounds simple, but most people never actually take the time to do it. And yet it's so easy! Adding it to your calendar can help as a motivation and reminder. If I end up having to skip it, I'll make up for it by taking the stairs instead of the elevator that day, or park my car furthest away from the grocery store entrance.

For years, 10,000 steps has been the standard recommended daily step count, but a 2020 study found that you can receive the same health benefits by reaching 7,000 steps a day.