As an increasing number of scientific studies are published citing the benefits of ‘exercise snacking’ – short bouts of physical activity sprinkled throughout the day – one celeb has sworn by the practise for several years already. The woman in question? Acting great Michelle Yeoh. Below, we look at the power of mini workouts and why the Oscar-winner’s go-to move is so effective.
Stretching
Michelle revealed to Vogue that she incorporates fitness into her morning routine in a way that’s incredibly time-efficient. ‘Remember, you can do your kicks, you can do your stretches, while you are also waking up,’ she said. Indeed, research has shown that regular stretching can improve flexibility, reduce muscle stiffness and improve blood circulation – all crucial elements of healthy ageing.
And you don’t have to stretch for very long, either. One study found that while static stretching improves flexibility in adults, there was no additional benefit observed beyond four minutes per session or 10 minutes per week. So, it seems that a short stretching sesh (you don’t even have to get out of bed to do it) like Michelle’s is a very worthwhile habit to adopt.
Squats
In her Vogue interview, Michelle also shared that she performs squats most days while doing her skincare routine. Virtually every expert and trainer we speak to here at Women’s Health lists squats as one of the most important moves for women to do as they age. A compound exercise (when multiple muscle groups are used), squats also mirror the vital movement pattern of sitting down and getting back up again.
Numerous studies have highlighted the benefits of this simple exercise for posture, strength and power, and one paper even found that intermittent squat exercises performed during prolonged periods of sitting may boost brain power. Whether you’re squatting mid-moisturise like Michelle or while you’re waiting for the kettle to boil, the science suggests sprinkling squats into your day can be really quite powerful.
The power of habit stacking
As Michelle’s routine shows, adopting a sustainable exercise routine often relies on habit stacking – adding a movement to something you already do every day, like doing your skincare or brushing your teeth.
BRB, we’re just off to do our daily squats.
After years living with endometriosis and undergoing seven rounds of IVF, Radio 4 presenter Emma Barnett turned to training with PT Frankie Holah to rebuild strength and a more positive relationship with her body. Download the Women’s Health UK app to access Frankie’s full training plan.
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Hannah Bradfield is a Senior Health and Fitness Writer for Women’s Health UK. An NCTJ-accredited journalist, Hannah graduated from Loughborough University with a BA in English and Sport Science and an MA in Media and Cultural Analysis. She has been covering sports, health and fitness for the last five years and has created content for outlets including BBC Sport, BBC Sounds, Runner’s World and Stylist. She especially enjoys interviewing those working within the community to improve access to sport, exercise and wellness. Hannah is a 2024 John Schofield Trust Fellow and was also named a 2022 Rising Star in Journalism by The Printing Charity. A keen runner, Hannah was firmly a sprinter growing up (also dabbling in long jump) but has since transitioned to longer-distance running. While 10K is her favoured race distance, she loves running or volunteering at parkrun every Saturday, followed, of course, by pastries. She’s always looking for fun new runs and races to do and brunch spots to try.