When most people think about getting healthier, they immediately focus on two things: working out and dieting.
And while those definitely matter, there’s another piece of the puzzle that often gets overlooked—and it can have just as big of an impact.
It’s called NEAT: Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis.
In plain English, NEAT is all the calories you burn through everyday movement that’s not considered formal exercise. That means walking the dog, cleaning the house, standing at your desk, playing with your kids, taking the stairs, and even fidgeting. It all counts.
Here’s why NEAT is such a game changer: it makes up a surprisingly large portion of your daily calorie burn, and you don’t have to schedule time for it. It’s about building more movement into the normal rhythm of your day.
Looking to boost your NEAT? Try these:
- Park farther from the entrance
- Walk for 10 minutes after meals
- Stand up and stretch every hour
- Take phone calls while walking
- Use stairs instead of elevators
- Do household chores with energy and purpose
- Play with your kids or grandkids
- Do light mobility or movement breaks during TV time
This isn’t about turning your life into a workout. It’s about remembering that your body is built to move—and movement fuels everything from recovery and fat loss to energy and mental clarity.
If you’re feeling stuck or trying to reset your routine, this is the easiest place to start.
Back to basics starts with movement.