A NEAT Way of Thinking

EXERCISE. The word conjures up images of gyms, buff bodies, sweat, and HOURS and HOURS of commitment to workouts and meal prep. If you are preparing for a serious physique or strength competition, that is very accurate. If you are looking to improve your health and body a bit, you are WAY OFF!

Enter the "NEAT" way of thinking about exercise:

NEAT is "Non Exercise Activity Thermogenesis", which is the increase in metabolic rate (burning more calories!) associated with being active, like doing yard work, walking more, etc.

In my seminars, I teach extensively on scheduling NEAT throughout the day. Why?

Well, since most of us live through established habits, this is a way to get people to increase NEAT without feeling like they are "working out". It is a BIG step to go from busy life with a loaded schedule with an apparent "no time" to exercise to workout out for three hours a week. Many people try, and ultimately FAIL, because it isn't a habit yet.

How to increase NEAT by the clock:

Every hour you are awake, do 30-60 seconds of body weight squats. That's right, no equipment, no excuses. Set your phone, watch, or outlook to remind you.

Do it just like this:

What does this mean? If you are awake for 16 hours you just "NEATed" your way to 8-16 minutes of calorie burning activity without fancy equipment or even modifying your schedule.

I am all about building upon habits, so start here. No rush. When this feels like a "normal" part of your day, build from there.

From there you can work your way up to short but powerful five minute workouts, called my "Fit in 5" system of fitness.

Stop thinking "all or nothing" with exercise and start thinking CONSISTENT HABITS. Isn't this a NEAT way to think about exercise?

Dr. B