Researchers from Oregon State University looked at a federal survey of more than 6,000 people who wore accelerometers to track their movement throughout the day. They found that everyday activities—even just one- and two-minute increments adding up to 30 minutes per day—were just as beneficial as longer bouts of exercise. People who keep busy all day cleaning the house and bopping around town had the same healthy blood pressure, cholesterol levels and waist circumference as habitual gym rats.

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