What is NEAT?

Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) refers to all the energy expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating, or sports-like exercise.

It includes all the small movements and activities that happen throughout the day, done for transportation, errands, or leisure rather than as a planned workout.

Examples

• Use stairs, walk or bike for short trips
• Park farther away or get off public transit a stop early
• Gardening, cleaning, or doing household chores
• Carrying groceries
• Fidgeting (hand or leg shaking)
• Slow jogging (超慢跑)

Small changes—like standing up more often, walking during phone calls, or taking frequent, brief movement breaks—can add up over time.