Are you finding it hard to clock the required steps or stay active throughout the day owing to a sedentary job? Worry not. According to experts, if you can manage 10 squats with proper form every 45 minutes, you will start to break the sitting posture. Some even suggest it can be more effective for blood sugar levels than walking for 30 minutes daily. Is it true?
Walking is a well-documented activity for improving cardiovascular health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. But interrupting prolonged sitting with short bursts of activity, such as doing 10 squats every 45 minutes, can also offer significant benefits, said Dr Manisha Arora, director, internal medicine, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi.
She emphasised that even if the activity is brief, its frequency can help mitigate the adverse effects of sedentary behaviour, particularly on glucose metabolism. “These days, the conversation is not only about how active you are, but also about how long you remain sedentary. In other words, prolonged sitting without movement is a risk factor, regardless of your overall activity levels,” said Dr Arora.
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Squats, being a form of resistance exercise, activate large muscle groups in the lower body, which are key for glucose metabolism, said Dr Birali Swetha, chief dietician, Gleneagles Aware Hospital, LB Nagar, Hyderabad.
Do you walk every day? (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Incorporating regular movement breaks, like squats, throughout the day can support better blood sugar control. “And if you want even more effective results, combining these movement breaks with regular walking or any other form of aerobic exercise can yield powerful benefits, especially in managing blood glucose levels,” said Dr Arora.
While the benefits of walking are well-established through numerous studies, she said that the evidence for squats as a tool for blood sugar control is still emerging. “The effectiveness of squats versus walking can also vary depending on individual factors such as overall fitness, diet, health status, and lifestyle,” said Dr Arora.
That said, both methods have their benefits, and the best approach is a combination: a 30-minute daily walk plus short activity breaks like squats, said Dr Birali. “For people with diabetes or at risk, this approach helps maintain steady glucose levels and supports cardiovascular and muscular health. Always consult your doctor before starting a new routine,” said Dr Birali.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.