STEADFAST TRAINING GLOSSARY
Definition
Non exercise activity thermogenesis, or NEAT, is energy used for everyday physical movement outside planned exercise, such as household tasks, standing and walking around at work.
What it means
NEAT is one part of daily expenditure. It differs from resting energy use and the energy needed to process food. The boundary depends on context: a walk to complete an errand and a planned walking workout are not necessarily categorized the same way.
A practical example
A desk worker might add brief movement breaks or complete a household task between long seated periods. These are practical opportunities to move, not promises of a particular calorie burn.
Putting it into practice
Choose repeatable activities that fit ability and available time. A step count does not capture every form of NEAT, and a wearable estimate is not a precise measurement. Keep ordinary movement alongside appropriate strength and aerobic exercise.
Related terms
Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) · Energy Balance · Training Adherence
Explore further
Calorie calculator and daily energy estimates · Browse the glossary