We often discuss why frequent movements are important for our skeletal health, but frequent movements can also help with weight loss or maintenance.

On a cellular level, micro-movements, such as fidgeting, bouncing a knee, tapping a pen or pacing a room triggers neurons to release epinephrine, which in turns stimulates the mobilization of fat and eventually with oxidation of fat. It has been demonstrated that micro-movements can burn an extra 800-2500 calories a day.

Micro-movements have been classified into a type of training also known as non-exercise activity training, or NEAT. Because it’s not always possible to allocate 30-60 minutes of training into a schedule, NEAT has become one way to help burn some of your caloric intake. Essentially NEAT training is nothing more than adding more movement into your lifestyle. It includes activities of your daily lifestyle, but it also includes other ways of adding movement.

Ways to incorporate NEAT training into your lifestyle:

Park further away when going to work, stores etc.
Always take the stairs
Take walking meetings
Fidget
Hang laundry out on a line instead of using a dryer
Play tag or the floor is lava with your kids after dinner
Sit on the floor instead of the couch when watching show (impossible to sit still)
Try a new hobby (gardening and playing music are both great ways to add movement)

In a simplified manner, weight loss can be addressed as calories consumed vs calories expenditure, there is much more to it, but we’ll keep it simple here. Keeping that in mind, please understand that NEAT training is not meant to replace regular physical activity. A well-rounded routine includes at least 150-minutes a week of moderate to vigorous physical activity that combines weight training and cardiovascular movements.

Please consult with your physician or chiropractor before starting any new health endeavours.