More Evidence that Small Bits of Activity Add Up

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Whether you missed your workout today because you got stuck at the office, had to run kids to soccer practice or weren't feeling good yourself, we've all been there. Everyone has days where they planned a good workout, but for whatever reason, life got in the way. As long as your workouts aren't taking a backseat on a regular basis, try not to be too hard on yourself. Although activities of daily living aren't a replacement for consistent physical activity, a new study has examined the role of incidental physical activity and how those small amounts of extra activity throughout the day can positively impact your health.

The study, published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, looked at a group of healthy (but overweight and sedentary) men and women. Participants VO2 max (which measures cardiorespiratory fitness) was measured and they were given accelerometers to wear 4-7 days a week. The device recorded all of the steps and other movements they took throughout the day. Most participants averaged 5 hours of light activity throughout the day, which is far below general health recommendations for physical activity.

Although none of the participants met recommended guidelines (30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week), for those that moved the most, they had a significantly higher cardiorespiratory fitness level than those who moved the least. This movement wasn't formal exercise, but just general activity throughout the day- walking through the grocery store, getting up from the TV to get a drink, bouncing your leg while sitting at your desk, etc. If these small amounts of activity can boost a person's fitness level, that can contribute to positive health benefits.

According to co-author of the study Dr. Robert Ross, “This was a group of generally low-fitness individuals, so we believe that activity was driving increases in fitness,” and not vice versa. The study concludes that adding more incidental activity to your day can only benefit your health. So whenever possible, park farther away in the mall parking lot, take the stairs instead of the elevator, and do whatever you can to keep moving throughout the day.

What do you think? Do you try to add more incidental activity throughout your day?