Multiple recent studies confirm that performing 10 bodyweight squats every 45 minutes during prolonged sitting improves blood sugar regulation more effectively than a single, continuous 30-minute walk.
A study found that performing 10 bodyweight squats every 45 minutes throughout prolonged periods of sitting can improve blood sugar regulation more effectively than a single, long walk.

Bodyweight Squats as Exercise Snacks, for Blood Sugar Control and Cognitive Performance
Source: thewholehealthpractice.com
Key Evidence
A study involving 18 men with overweight and obesity found that frequent short bursts of bodyweight squats during an 8.5-hour sitting period improved blood glucose levels better than a single 30-minute walk.
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Additional research highlights that muscle activation intensity during squats contributes to superior glucose regulation compared to walking.
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Moreover, reviews emphasize that these 'micro workouts' or 'exercise snacks' are a practical strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of prolonged sitting on blood sugar control.
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What the Evidence Shows
Scientific research conducted on overweight and obese men has demonstrated that interrupting prolonged sitting with short, frequent bouts of exercise, such as 10 bodyweight squats every 45 minutes, leads to better postprandial glycemic control compared to a single, longer walking session. This approach, often referred to as 'exercise snacks,' enhances muscle activation, particularly in the quadriceps and gluteal muscles, resulting in increased glucose clearance from the bloodstream.
The intermittent nature of these brief activity breaks appears to counteract the negative metabolic effects of prolonged sedentary behavior more effectively than continuous moderate exercise performed once daily. These findings have been replicated across several peer-reviewed studies and summarized in health-focused publications, supporting the claim's validity.