Want to get in shape? Try exercise snacking

Let's face it, losing weight is rough. Not all of us have the time to make our own hand made snacks to take with us everywhere, or commit to an hour at the gym. If you're having trouble fitting exercise into your daily routine, try getting your 30-60 minutes of daily exercise in through 'snacking' it.

That's what scientists at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada are saying. An exercise snack is a short burst of exercise, just like a snack is generally thought of as a small meal.

Instead of going to the gym for one long slog, you can step out for a 5 minute walk at lunch, on breaks, after work, and when you get home.

These short bursts of exercise take almost no effort, but they can do big things for your health. Studies show that these exercise snacks can help lower your blood sugar levels, lower your blood pressure, and also help with other physiological issues associated for sitting too long in one place.

Exercise snacking does have its drawbacks. It won't help you boost your respiratory system in the same way an aerobics class will, nor will it help strengthen your heart as much as a harder workout. Even so, the heart and lungs are only part of a much greater system. By exercising the other 600 or so muscles responsible for your ability to move every day, you can help improve your motivation to exercise more, and help with basic every day tasks like being able to bend over and pick a tissue up off the floor.

If you don't have enough time to hit the gym, get your exercise in small doses throughout the day. 5 minutes here and there will still do wonders for your health, and make you feel better about yourself too.