So, Do Smaller Chunks Work?
Yes, the good news is doing small amounts of exercise throughout the day is just as effective as doing one long session.
In fact, it may have some additional benefits.
A 2019 review of 19 studies looked at this question, involving more than 1,000 participants. It found multiple, shorter “chunks” of exercise in a day improved heart and lung fitness and blood pressure as much as doing one longer session.
And there was some evidence these chunks actually led to more weight loss and lower cholesterol.
The most common way this exercise was compared in the 19 studies was with one group doing three ten-minute bouts of exercise five days a week, and another doing one 30-minute session, five days a week.
I have to say, “studyfinds.org” does not sound like a trustworthy source for scientific information.
But also, this result is completely unsurprising. There’s a whole subculture in strength training dedicated to doing small workouts throughout the day. And one of the most common “fitness hacks” for people just looking to lose weight or improve general health is to simply find ways to move more during the day, like parking farther away from the grocery store, riding bikes or going for a walk instead of watching tv, using a standing desk, or picking up DIY as a hobby.
Imo, the best effects come from both being more active throughout the day and having some dedicated exercise time. Ideally, a fun, social form of exercise like playing soccer, going hiking with friends, practicing acrobatics, or (in fact) throwing some iron around with the bros (and/or lady bros) if that’s your jam.
But if your takeaway from the article is “I should break the 30 minute workout I hate into 3 10 minute workouts I also hate” then you are setting yourself up for failure. The real trick is realizing that exercise is fun.