neat MOVEMENT IS MOVING MORE DOES NOT MEAN YOU HAVE TO BE IN THE GYM. THERE ARE OTHER NEAT STRATEGIES. So, what actually is NEAT? It’s an abbreviation of “non-exercise activity thermogenesis” and is basically all the energy expenditure not accounted for after sleeping, eating and digestion (thermic effect of food; TEF), and sports-like exercise (exercise activity thermogenesis; EAT). NEAT refers to how the body uses calories when we’re not exercising, so things like walking the dog, gardening, cleaning, cooking, standing, and even fidgeting. These routine activities burn calories in small amounts, but they add up through the course of a day. BENEFITS OF NEAT NEAT can account for far more of our daily energy expenditure (calories burnt) than many people realise. NEAT levels vary widely, in some cases by up to 2,000 calories per day between people of similar size. It’s the second biggest user of energy for most people after BMR.2 So pottering about a bit more can really have a significant impact on calorie expenditure. By far my favourite thing about NEAT is how easy it is. A gruelling gym session or 30-minute spin class aren’t the only ways to burn calories. By walking to work, doing housework, going to the shop instead of ordering online, you can increase your NEAT levels. SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT... Increasing NEAT levels may be a struggle if you’re in a calorie deficit. The lack of energy may make you not want to be on your feet for so much of the day. You might prefer to get exercise boxed off with a 30-minute workout. BY EMMY HOWELL | @EMMYFIT_PT LEVEL 3 PT | MYP/PT BACK TO MENU
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