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Running in place at home: a short, no-equipment guide

Running on the spot needs only enough room to move your arms. Marching is the low-impact version, and both can fill a 30-second or two-minute gap.

Set up a clear patch

Move away from rugs, low furniture and anything overhead. Wear supportive footwear if the floor is hard or slippery, and keep water or hot surfaces out of reach.

Begin with a march

Stand tall, lift one knee at a time and let the opposite arm swing. Build the pace gradually. Staying light on your feet matters more than lifting your knees high.

Choose your impact

Keep one foot on the floor for a brisk march, or move into an easy jog if that feels comfortable. You can alternate 20 seconds quicker with 20 seconds easy without ever sprinting.

Stop on warning signs

Stop if you feel pain, dizziness, chest discomfort or unusual shortness of breath. If a condition affects exercise, ask a clinician what is appropriate for you.

The kettle takes two minutes anyway.

Subscribe, do one burst today, and see what a week of gaps adds up to.