Slimmer WITHOUT Exercise

You read that title correctly: “Slimmer WITHOUT Exercise.” Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, also know as “NEAT,” needs to be on your radar. The data is compelling. The simplest application? Here:

Employ short bursts of movement (non-exercise)

repeatedly and often throughout your day.

That’s it.

Easy, peasy.

In understanding NEAT, remember that BMR (basal metabolic rate) is altered through increasing your lean body mass. (Which, by the way, is Blakely FIT’s mission*) NEAT, on the other hand, addresses your everyday, non-exercise level of movement. How much time do you spend sitting still, walking to a meeting, gardening , shoveling or carrying your kids up the stairs? The data illustrates that these short bouts of movement (again, non-exercise) have a tremendous impact on your body’s ability to maintain a healthy weight, lose weight and more importantly, decrease your risk factors for significant health concerns.

The take away? Put that walk to the water cooler on a pedestal. Place the distant parking spot in your mind like a trophy. Elevate that dance to the Frozen soundtrack in your list of “great things I did today.” Value the small bouts of movement through out your day and slowly, steadily increase their frequency. The more you do them the more benefits you reap. And all without exercise.

Want more information?

13 minute Dr. Levine video

Book on Amazon

USA Today Q&A with Dr. Levine

*BMR continued…Strength training increases the amount of lean muscle we have and in turn increases our daily calorie expenditure even when we are at rest – awesome, right?

Killing Birds

What is your new year’s resolution? Lose weight? Save money? Why not kill two birds with one stone? Consider exercise your shiny, new slingshot. Below, I list some ideas for capitalizing on your precious time and valiant resolution efforts.

“Lose weight” goals? No surprise here, exercise is your new best friend. Opt for moderate intensity and habit creation.

“Save money” goals? Being healthier can save you tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime: healthcare costs, insurance premiums and food costs to name a few. One study reported $1,429 higher healthcare costs to obese individuals each year versus their normal weight counterparts.

“Better career” goals? Being fit makes you more attractive to potential employers because they know the additional costs of having unhealthy employees. It is illegal, but still goes on.

“Be organized” goals? Nothing will help you remember to plan the day before like forgetting to put your dress socks or bra into your work out bag. Seriously, exercise itself requires some planning and in that planning other parts of your day can fall into place more easily. On the flip side, getting organized may fuel exercising. Who doesn’t feel more energized after cleaning out a closet?

“Spend more time with friends” goals? This is a layup. Attend a recurring class, make a workout date or start an intramural team with friends. You can be active and spend time together.

“Be a better partner/parent/sibling/child” goals? I defer to one of my favorite quotes: “In terms of pursuing personal, optimal health, it’s not selfish- let’s shake that monkey off our backs. It’s the fit person who has the energy and availability to be charitable, help others, and give more of herself.” -Fitness for Geeks

And to each of you, my very sincere wishes for a joyful, healthy and rewarding 2013!
Happy New Year!