Neat: Discover This Simple Method That Helps with Physical Health

Neat can be an important complement to daily physical exercise, contributing to an increase in caloric expenditure.

A simple and efficient method of burning calories and taking care of your health has become increasingly popular among experts’ recommendations for those who want to move away from a sedentary lifestyle. Known by the acronym “Neat” (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, which in free translation means “thermogenic activity not associated with exercise”), the method is based on practicing small daily activities (such as standing or climbing stairs) that can help us lose weight or maintain our calorie expenditure.

This type of physical activity has been especially utilized by people seeking to maintain their metabolism. This is because it is common for metabolic activities to decrease after the age of 50, although individuals aged 25 to 30 already begin to experience a greater slowdown in the body’s caloric expenditure. According to personal trainer Leandro Twin, hormonal imbalances, especially in insulin, help explain this decline. Other factors such as reduced testosterone production and hypothyroidism can also affect weight regulation in the body.

“If we want to maintain an adequate metabolism, we need to develop good habits, and this is the most challenging aspect because we need to break out of a sedentary lifestyle, change eating and sleeping patterns, and manage stress levels,” explains Leandro Twin. A good starting point for individuals is to exercise at least three times a week for a total of 150 minutes on average.

What is Neat, and how can it help you take care of your health? It is not always necessary for the day’s physical exercise to be strenuous and demanding on the body, unless that is your preference, of course. We can resort to daily activities that increase caloric expenditure. Known as Neat (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, which in free translation means “thermogenic activity not associated with exercise”), they are not substitutes but complement the practice of sports. “Neat is more effective when you have a history of physical activity. Alone, it doesn’t cause major impacts,” highlights personal trainer Débora Pereira. Leandro Twin adds and emphasizes that, although these activities are often underestimated, they can make an important difference in the final result we seek to achieve. “Small things make all the difference in our energy expenditure, such as walking to the gym, taking the stairs instead of using the elevator, or making small purchases on foot instead of opting for delivery,” explains the personal trainer.

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