11 Simple Ways to Increase Your NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis)

NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis) is any sort of movement that isn't directly correlated to your workouts: walking around the house, doing laundry or yard work, etc. This is some of the most important movement you can do!

This movement is the key to helping you stay mobile and burn more fat throughout the day, without spiking your cortisol (like intense workouts may do). NEAT contributes to you overall metabolic burn and also helps to reduce cravings. Sounds pretty good, right?

When I'm asked where to start when it comes to movement, I recommend starting with increasing your NEAT! 

Especially right now while we are at home more and likely more sedentary (speaking from my own experience here, too...), putting in just a little extra effort to get more NEAT in can make a HUGE difference in how we feel!

Here are 11 simple ways to increase your NEAT: 

1. Park farther away from your destination
2. Take stairs instead of elevators
3. Wash the dishes by hand
4. Use a standing desk converter and/or desk treadmill
5. Take walking meetings or phone calls
6. Walk or bike as transportation 
7. Take walk or dance breaks throughout the day
8. Play with your kids 
9. Stretch while you watch TV
10. Cook more meals at home
11. Do deep cleaning around the house