Did you know? Five minute stretches are sufficient for building long term strength

If you are swamped with back-to-back meetings or deadlines, it is still possible to squeeze in exercise. Spoorthi S, a fitness expert at Cult, recently clarified that one of the biggest misconceptions is that a good workout requires a minimum of sixty minutes.

In a conversation on Thursday, she explained that this belief acts as a mental barrier for busy people. Instead, fitness should be viewed as a series of short bursts of movement that improve circulation, maintain mobility, and keep the metabolism active throughout a hectic day.

Identifying the symptoms

Treating exercise as optional or time-intensive often leads to a completely sedentary lifestyle during work weeks. To combat this, the expert identified practical ways to break fitness down into small, manageable chunks:

• Do ten push-ups every time you enter your room to build strength.
• Two short walks after meals to aid digestion and step counts.
• Five-minute stretches between meetings to relieve muscle tension.
• Walking while texting or taking calls increases daily energy expenditure.
• Parking farther away or taking the stairs instead of using the lift.

The restorative pathway

The fitness expert recommended a strategy called habit stacking, which involves attaching a new movement to an existing daily habit.

For instance, practicing mobility exercises while watching television or taking a short walk after brushing your teeth makes fitness more realistic. "In reality, even some workout is better than no workout," Spoorthi S stated.

By shifting your mindset and treating movement as a non-negotiable part of the day, you can maintain your health without needing long gym sessions. These small actions cumulatively reduce sedentary time and elevate overall quality of life.

Please Note: This information is for educational purposes only and does not count as professional advice. Readers should always consult a qualified doctor regarding any questions about their health or a medical condition.