How ‘exercise snacking’ became the latest fitness craze that could reduce dementia risk

Health & Fitness
31 Mar 2026 • 9:56 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • New research suggests that short, vigorous bursts of exercise, termed 'exercise snacking', can significantly improve health, with a study of nearly 100,000 people showing a 63% lower risk of dementia.
  • Exercise snacking involves brief periods of activity, typically 5-10 minutes, aimed at raising the heart rate and boosting cardiovascular and metabolic conditioning throughout the day.
  • Key benefits include reducing stiffness and pain, improving posture, and increasing daily calorie burn, contributing to overall physical well-being.
  • To incorporate exercise snacking, experts recommend stepping away from a desk for a few minutes, taking the stairs, or performing subtle stretches during breaks to build consistency.
  • Recommended activities include stretching (such as standing back bends), cardio (like star jumps or fast walking), and strength exercises (such as bodyweight squats or push-ups).

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