Burning Calories Without the Gym: The Power of NEAT
Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is a way to describe the calories you burn when you’re not sleeping, eating or doing planned exercise. It includes all the movement you do throughout the day that doesn’t involve going to the gym or working out.
Why NEAT matters?
- Significant calorie burn: NEAT can account for hundreds or even thousands of calories burned per day. For many people, this plays a bigger role in calories burned than a structured workout. An individual with an active lifestyle might burn an extra 2,000 calories a day through daily activities. A 30-minute workout has many benefits. But what about the other 16 hours of your day while you’re awake?
- Weight management and obesity prevention: Low levels of NEAT have been shown to increase obesity. An excellent way to offset this is to increase daily activity that is sustainable and does not rely solely on intense, structured exercise.
- Cardiovascular and metabolic health: Prolonged sitting may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Regular movement throughout the day can offset this by keeping your metabolism active. Regular daily movement can also help maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Examples of NEAT
- Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
- Using a standing desk while at work
- Parking farther away from the store
- Walking while on phone calls
- Doing household chores regularly
- Playing with your kids or pets
- Aiming for a daily step goal (10,000 steps)
NEAT activities cannot replace weekly exercise requirements because these activities don’t typically raise your heart rate for a sustained amount of time. But it can help you maintain or even lose weight. By simply moving more throughout your day, you can support your metabolism, improve energy levels, and make your health goals more achievable.
Learn more about health and wellness benefits.
By Brie Larson, LiveNOW Health and Wellness Coach
