Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) is the normal activity we do in everyday life – climbing stairs, folding laundry, walking around house, etc. But we are less active than previous generations as more people work in an office, drive taxis, lorries and buses for a living, and watch TV or use a computer in our leisure time. Consequently many people now spend 80% of their day sitting.
Research has shown that the more you sit, the greater your risk of diabetes and heart disease. And taht applies even if you do a gym workout every day and then spend the rest of the day sitting.
But it is easy to make changes and become more active and increasing movement can burn 500 calories a day. All these little things add up, so we need to get active.
- Try standing: to use the phone, to use the computer, have standing meetings at work.
- Walk rather than use the car, use the stairs instead of the lift, or walk to someone's office to talk about an issue or a decision instead of phoning or emailing them.
- Wiggle your toes or legs while watching TV, and get up an walk around in commercial breaks.
- Never have a duvet day.
