Ever wondered if cleaning up after the kids or folding that mountain of laundry counts towards your fitness goals? It does, and here’s why!
When it comes to burning calories and staying healthy, we often think of exercise as something that happens in a gym or during a designated workout time. However, the truth is that the calories burned from our everyday movements play a crucial role in our overall metabolism and health. In fact, your day-to-day activities, known as Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT), can account for 15-30% of your daily calorie burn, while actual exercise only makes up a small portion of your total energy expenditure.
NEAT includes everything from walking around the house, cleaning, folding laundry, and playing with your kids. These seemingly minor activities contribute significantly to your overall energy expenditure. This is because your body is continuously burning calories to support these movements throughout the day. In contrast, even the most intense workouts only account for a small fraction of your daily calorie burn.
When you engage in regular NEAT, you keep your metabolism active and efficient. Sitting for long periods, on the other hand, can lead to decreased muscle mass and increased risk of chronic diseases. This is why incorporating more movement into your day is so important.
Our metabolism is the process by which our body converts food into energy. Even at rest, our body needs energy for essential functions like breathing and circulating blood. However, the more we move, the more we increase our metabolic rate, which helps burn more calories throughout the day.
Here’s the kicker: while a workout might burn extra calories, those burned during everyday activities like standing, walking, and even fidgeting can add up significantly. This means that maintaining a high level of daily activity is key to boosting your metabolism and supporting weight loss.
Sitting for extended periods can have detrimental effects on your health. Studies have shown that prolonged sitting is associated with an increased risk of weight gain, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic issues. That’s why it’s often said that “sitting is the new smoking.” Reducing sedentary time and incorporating more movement into your daily routine can help mitigate these risks.
Tips to Get More Movement in Your Day
Incorporating more NEAT into your life doesn’t require a gym membership or fancy equipment. Here are some practical tips to help you get moving:
1. Take Frequent Breaks: Set a timer to remind yourself to stand up and move every hour. Even a few minutes of stretching or walking can boost your metabolism.
2. Household Chores Count: Activities like vacuuming, dusting, and mopping are great for keeping your home clean and getting you moving. Plus, you can burn a surprising number of calories while doing them!
3. Play with Your Kids: Get down on the floor and join in on your children’s playtime. Whether it’s a game of tag or building a fort, these activities keep you active and engaged.
4. Walk and Talk: Whenever you’re on the phone, try walking around instead of sitting. It’s an easy way to add more steps to your day.
5. Use the Stairs: Choose the stairs over the elevator whenever possible. It’s a simple way to incorporate more physical activity into your routine.
6. Park Farther Away: When you’re out running errands, park your car at the far end of the parking lot. Those extra steps can add up quickly.
7. Set a Step Goal: Use a pedometer or a fitness tracker to set a daily step goal. Aim for at least 10,000 steps a day and find creative ways to reach it.
Staying active throughout the day has numerous benefits, including improved metabolism, enhanced mood, better energy levels, and reduced health risks. By integrating more movement into your daily routine, you can maintain a healthier weight and boost your overall well-being.
Incorporating more movement into your daily life is a powerful way to boost your metabolism and improve your overall health. It’s not just about those designated workout times; it’s about staying active throughout the day. Remember, every little bit of movement counts, from tidying up the house to playing with your kids. So, get up, move around, and feel the difference in your energy levels and well-being.
Ready to learn more about how to keep your body in fat-burning mode and achieve your fitness goals? Join my MetaboBliss™ program where I teach science-backed exercises and strategies tailored for your lifestyle.
