What is NEAT?
You’ve probably heard “just move more” as fitness advice… but when your day is already packed with parenting, work, and everything in between, where is that supposed to come from?
In reality, it’s not about adding one more thing to your plate. Instead, you can simply make the movement you’re already doing count for more!
What is NEAT and Why Does It Matter?
There’s a name for all that “other movement” throughout your day. NEAT, or Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, refers to the calories your body burns from everyday movements outside of a structured workout.
I like to think about it as the “hidden” part of a healthy routine. It’s not always exciting, but it might be one of the most overlooked pieces of an overall healthier lifestyle (especially for moms who don’t have hours to spend at the gym)!
Here’s why it matters:
It adds up fast: It’s not just a small bonus. NEAT can actually make up a big chunk of your total daily energy output.
It supports weight management: More NEAT means more total caloric expenditure, which helps you balance calories in vs. calories out.
It keeps your body functional: Standing, walking, and moving throughout the day keeps your joints mobile, your circulation strong, and your body doing what it’s actually designed to do… move!
Additional Research Findings
Research has shown that NEAT can vary by as much as 2,000 calories a day between two people of similar size, due to daily occupation and lifestyle. In other words, two moms who both work out 3x a week could have very different results just based on how much they move throughout the rest of the day.
And according to the Obesity Medicine Association’s clinician guide, NEAT includes everything from standing instead of sitting, to fidgeting, to household chores, to walking in the parking lot. This means that NEAT is a piece of your metabolism that you actually have control over.
How to Sneak More NEAT Into a Busy Day
Here are some small shifts that you can make:
Park farther away. At school pickup, at the grocery store… anywhere you can give yourself a few extra steps.
Take the stairs. Skip the elevator when you can, even if it’s just one flight.
Pace while you’re on the phone. Work calls, chatting with a friend, etc. Walk instead of sit.
Chores count! Vacuuming, sweeping, and carrying laundry will add up. Knock out those extra tasks.
Play with your kids. Chasing, dancing, and backyard games are fun. Plus, you get some quality time too!
Take the long way. Find simple ways to add extra steps, like taking one more lap around the store.
Fidget! Even small things like bouncing your leg, tapping your foot, and stretching can make a difference.
Final Takeaway
Workouts matter, but they are not the whole story. NEAT is a cool way to embrace a healthier lifestyle. So park a little farther away, take the stairs, play with your kids, and just move your body!
— Written by Logan Hurdle
