When most people decide they’d like to drop some body fat, the initial action plan is to embark on a structured fitness plan and tidy up their diet. Which, it’s hoped, will see the weight fall off. And they’d be right to do so, both of these strategies play a huge part in the process!
However, an often overlooked, but equally important part of the puzzle is what is known as Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, or NEAT for short. In plain English, this is the energy you burn when doing day to day activities such a walking, gardening, housework, running after the kids or even fidgeting. By increasing these activities on a day to day basis, we can burn loads of extra calories without overly taxing ourselves.
Getting off the bus a stop earlier or taking the stairs each day might not seem a lot, but it all adds up in the long run and helps massively in shifting those pounds!
Here are 3 tips to help you improve and increase your NEAT…..
1. Use a pedometer, Fitbit, health app……anything that tracks your activity. If you’re using a pedometer, keep a log next to your bed and take a note of your steps every night before going to bed. Try to beat your average steps score week on week.
2. Park your car as far away from your destination as time will allow you. If you are going to be 30 minutes early for work, park a 30 minute walk away. If you are going to the supermarket, park in the spaces furthest away from the front door.
3. Stand more often. Even when you’re watching TV, reading, working on your laptop. Stand for as long as possible, take a seat then get back up and stand again. Standing won’t only burn more calories than sitting, it’ll do wonders for your joints and mobility!
So get moving as much as you can…..even if it means pacing the living room floor when you’re watching Corrie!!