Physical Activity Research & Resources

Why does Move More IU focus on short bouts of physical activity throughout the day?
We want you to take every opportunity you can to move — even short “microbreaks” count! Just moving once an hour (stretching, standing, walking) is better than not moving for hours on end.

More and more research is finding that being sedentary for long periods of time is harmful to our health. But a growing body of research also suggests that lifestyle activity — the movements we perform throughout the day, NOT just dedicated exercise time — can be an effective tool for achieving health benefits and staying active despite time constraints.

  • Do you have 1 minute? The American Heart Association recommends at least 150-minutes of moderate activity each week, and every single minute of moderate- or vigorous-intensity activity counts toward this goal!
  • Do you have 2 minutes? One study suggests that light activity 2 minutes per hour lowers the mortality risk of sitting.
  • Do you have 5 minutes? Get moving, and come back to your work feeling happier and more energized, according to this study.
  • Do you have time to make physical activity a habit? Regular physical activity provides benefits that affect your mind, body, and spirit — including:
    • Manage stress
    • Lower blood pressure
    • Relieve tension and anxiety
    • Boost good cholesterol
    • Manage weight
    • Prevent bone loss
    • Boost energy
    • Promotes optimism
    • Improves self-image
    • Fall asleep faster and more soundly
    • Sharing activities with friends and family
    • Delay or prevent chronic diseases associated with aging
    • Maintain quality of life!

A Comprehensive Guide to Physical Activity in the Workplace

Movement Throughout the Day for Overall Health

How Movement Benefits Our Minds

Physical Activity, Mobility, and Disability

Moving More to Prevent Chronic Disease

Ideas for Getting Active at Work and Staying Safe

Benefits of Regular Physical Activity