How would you like to go back to the days of recess? My guess is that many adults would jump at the prospect. Fortunately, the idea does not have to be a mere fantasy. Antronette K. Yancey, MD, MPH, Professor in the Department of Health Services at UCLA School of Public Health and Co-Director of the UCLA Kaiser Permanente Center For Health Equity has created Instant Recess, a program developed to provide adults in the workplace with 10-minute exercise breaks during the day.

The goal of Instant Recess is rooted in the concept of the "built" environment; that is, it's designed to create a surrounding and atmosphere that fosters increased physical activity by its occupants.  Instant Recess, with its simple exercises taken from sports and dance moves and performed to music, makes exercise enjoyable for individuals who are out-of-shape, overweight/obese, or who are new to exercise. Dr. Yancey wants to empower people to become "Champions for Change" by choosing active pursuits over sedentary habits.

For Instant Recess to be effective, employers need to integrate the program into the work environment at specific times of the day, such as during regularly scheduled meetings.  The activities should be performed at a level that allows street clothes to be worn, yet challenging enough that the time spent counts toward the federal government's recommendation of 150 minutes of physical activity per week to promote health.

If you are interested in implementing the Instant Recess program into your work environment visit Dr. Yancey's website at ToniYancey.Com for more information.

Note: Before beginning an exercise program or increasing the intensity level of a current routine, a physician's approval should be obtained, especially for older adults and those at risk for or who currently have chronic health conditions.