Losing weight is NEAT

NEAT = Non-Exercise Activity Thermogensis; this is the technical term for the movements required throughout the activities of normal daily life. An exercise session is time scheduled specifically for the purpose of exercise, but there are plenty of opportunities to move throughout the day that don't require a specific amount of time dedicated to exercise.

Research indicates that people who move throughout the day can burn an additional 300 calories or so when compared to people who remain sedentary throughout the day. 300 calories over 5 days of the work week = 1500 calories, that's almost the amount of energy in 1/2 pound of fat (1lb fat = 3500 calories). So getting up through out the day while at work, can pay off.

If you find that your time is limited but you want to increase your amount of exercise here are some strategies for adding more activity in your day:

• Parking as far away as possible from your location--it's easier to find a space, and plus you're closer to the exit of the shopping mall, so you can get out quicker
• Getting up throughout the day to stretch your legs and take a little walk around the office--once every hour or so, get up to move around your area
• When using the restroom--go to a location far from your area, not the one right next door
• Walk down the hall to speak with a colleague instead of sending an e-mail or using the phone; face-to-face interaction--the original form of IM; it clears up confusion and is additional opportunity to get up and move
• Save about 10-15min of your lunch hour for a little walk around the building or block
• If meeting with one or two colleagues, suggest a walking meeting--get out of the office, walk a little bit, burn some calories plus the additional blood/oxygen flow might stimulate a more effective thought process
• Take a "fresh air" break, if some of your colleagues can leave for 10min to take a cigarette break, why not get up and go for a little walk to get a fresh air break--the movement will stimulate blood and oxygen flow and might open up the creative thinking process

So if you find that you get really busy during the day, you can still find opportunities to get up, get moving and burn some additional calories. So take a look at your work area and schedule and try to find out where you can sneak in some extra activities.