Apollo neurologist recommends this simple desk-friendly exercise over walking for blood sugar and heart health

Did you know? Sitting for long hours can affect your heart and blood sugar. Neurologist Dr. Sudhir Kumar recommends 10 squats every 45 minutes as an easy, effective way to stay active, boost metabolism, and protect your health — even at your desk (Image: Pexels)

In our current lazy lifestyle, sitting for long hours has become a big health worry. Dr Sudhir Kumar, a brain doctor from Apollo Hospitals, stresses the need to add quick workout breaks to daily habits to fight the bad effects of sitting too much.

In a post on X, Dr Sudhir Kumar shares that just 10 squats every 45 minutes are more effective in controlling blood sugar levels than a 30-minute walk if you sit for long periods of time.

How Sitting Too Much Affects You

Sitting for long stretches, whether at your desk watching screens, or during free time, can cause many health problems. These include a higher chance of getting fat, sugar disease, and heart trouble. Dr Kumar points out that just one long workout a day might not be enough to undo the harm from being inactive for hours.

Why Short Workout Breaks Matter
Dr Kumar suggest doing quick workouts throughout the day. For example, doing 10 squats every 45 minutes can help control blood sugar better than going for one 30-minute walk. This is true for people who sit a lot. These short bursts of movement keep the body going, boost metabolism, and reduce health problems linked to sitting for long periods.

Also Read: Is sitting the new smoking? Here's how prolonged sitting can undo the benefits of exercise

Health Benefits of Squats

Squats are a key exercise that works many muscle groups at once. These include the butt muscles, thigh muscles (front and back), and core muscles. Adding squats to your daily routine can boost your overall strength, fix your posture, and lower your chance of getting hurt. Also, squats help your blood flow better and your metabolism work well, which is good for your heart and helps control your blood sugar.

How To Add Quick Exercise Breaks

Use a Timer: Set an alarm on your watch or phone to remind you to do squats or other easy exercises every 45 minutes.

Exercises at Your Desk: Try exercises you can do while sitting, like lifting your legs or marching in place, to keep moving without stopping your work.

Choose Stairs: Take the stairs instead of the elevator to get more exercise during the day.

Stretch Often: Do stretching exercises to make your body more flexible and stop your muscles from getting stiff.

Also Read: Back pain from sitting too long at work: Expert tips to fix posture, strengthen core muscles, more

Adding quick workout breaks to your day-to-day life is an easy but powerful way to fight the health dangers of sitting for too long. Doing short activities like squats every 45 minutes can boost heart health, keep blood sugar in check, and make you feel better overall. Keep in mind sticking to it matters most, and even small steps can bring big health perks as time goes on.

FAQs on Health Benefits of Squats

1. Can squats help improve posture?

Yes, squats can strengthen core and back muscles, which helps correct and improve posture.

2. Do squats boost metabolism?

Performing squats can enhance your metabolism by engaging multiple muscle groups, thus burning more calories.

3. Are squats beneficial for heart health?

Squats improve blood circulation and overall cardiovascular health by promoting efficient metabolism.

4. Can squats help in controlling blood sugar levels?

Regularly doing squats can aid in better blood sugar regulation, particularly beneficial for those with sedentary lifestyles.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.