We always hear the famous fitness quote: "Fitness is a lifestyle." I, for one, use that quote a lot! I mean, I've been living this fitness lifestyle since primary school. For me, it's easy to maintain a healthy lifestyle. One day at the gym, a lady walked up to me and asked how I managed to sustain that lifestyle as an entrepreneur, given the crazy working hours. That was when I introduced her to micro workouts – something we're about to explore together.

Your Modern Wellness Hack

We live in a very busy world, chasing deadlines and trying to balance life, but we shouldn't be so occupied that we neglect our health. What's the use of working so hard to earn money if you end up lying in a hospital bed because you failed to look after yourself? Micro workouts are the solution. They're designed to offer an efficient way to improve both physical and mental well-being, even with limited time. They can be done anywhere, require little to no equipment, and still provide numerous benefits. A little movement is better than none!

Small Bursts, Big Rewards

Micro workouts last between 1 and 10 minutes. In one study, a 10-minute workout three times per week increased endurance by nearly 20%, and participants also experienced improved insulin resistance. A larger study linked longer lifespans to running for just five minutes a day.

Micro workouts target specific muscle groups, which increases strength and endurance. Thanks to their impact on muscle activation, metabolic response, and consistency, these short sessions allow for focused engagement and better recovery, leading to gradual strength gains and improved endurance.

Short, high-intensity bursts of exercise like push-ups, squats, and planks can even promote muscle protein synthesis. What some people try to achieve with an hour at the gym can also be achieved through micro workouts. Each completed workout builds momentum and a sense of accomplishment, making it easier to stick to the routine.

Progress Over Perfection

Micro workouts prove that you don't need a perfect gym plan. This type of exercise embraces progress over perfection.

For people who work long hours, a quick 10-minute upper body routine during a lunch break can boost strength and energy. By prioritising "good enough" over "ideal", micro workouts help you build a sustainable fitness habit.

Incorporating micro workouts into your daily routine is one of the best decisions you can make for your health. We all know exercise releases endorphins, the so-called "happy hormones". Now imagine starting your day with a micro workout boost that sets the tone for everything else.

• Doing squats while brushing your teeth may sound odd, but imagine how your glutes would look after doing it consistently for a month.
• Taking short walks, stretching, or doing desk exercises during lunch breaks can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle while still getting work done.
• Doing calf raises while waiting in a queue is another simple way to incorporate movement into daily life.

We all have 24 hours in a day and eight dimensions of wellness. Micro workouts are designed to help balance the physical and mental aspects of wellness.

So, to anyone who says they're too busy to take care of their health, your answer should be: try micro workouts – because they're short, smart, and sustainable.

About The Author

Neo Sibiya is a content creator and wellness enthusiast passionate about fitness, beauty, and storytelling. She has collaborated with brands such as Blaektree, Urban Ethnic, and LenSmart and continues to inspire her 58k-strong Instagram community with authentic content. When she's not creating, Neo enjoys exploring new fitness challenges and sparking conversations that empower women.