In short: Small movements throughout your day can add up to major fitness gains by increasing your Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT). NEAT is the energy your body burns through all the little micro-movements you do outside of formal workouts. While parking further away at the Premium Outlets or doing the dishes might seem insignificant, these actions add up to a major impact on your heart health and longevity.
This frequent, light activity transforms your health by:
- Boosting heart health: People who naturally move more have stronger cardiovascular systems.
- Regulating blood sugar: Everyday activity leads to better insulin sensitivity.
- Reducing inflammation: Staying in motion actively lowers inflammation even if you never step foot in a gym.
Do micro-movements matter more than workouts?
Depending on your fitness routine, daily micro-movements can matter more than formal workouts for your overall metabolic health. They sustain your metabolic rate during the 23 hours of the day you aren’t working out at Active at NorthBay Health. When it comes to everyday activity, it is not about the intensity of the movement, but the frequency. Over time, these small, consistent bursts of movement quietly transform your focus and overall health.
How can you boost your daily activity level?
To boost your NEAT, look for simple ways to stay in motion and break up long periods of sitting:
- Change your commute: Hop off City Coach one stop early or park farther away from your office to get extra steps in.
- Multitask your movement: Take phone calls while doing a lap around Andrews Park, or stand up and stretch while reading emails.
- Embrace inconvenience: Instead of getting frustrated by a slow elevator or having to make two trips to carry in your haul from the Downtown Vacaville Farmers’ Market, view these moments as free opportunities to move more.
- Sneak in reps: Do a few squats while dinner is in the oven or while brushing your teeth.
- Walk your errands: Park at the back of the lot when running errands at Vacaville Commons, or leave the car at home entirely and choose to walk or bike if possible.
- Set a timer: Aim to break up sitting with even just two minutes of light movement every half hour.
Looking for more ways to stay active? Talk to our training team at Active at NorthBay Health about building a routine that keeps you moving all day long.