NEAT - Daily Activity versus Gym Workout

I just read an article in Natural Health Magazine about using daily activities rather than intensive gym time for exercise. The results were better than gym time workouts. The term NEAT refers to Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. This article talks about incorporating daily activities that have been enhanced by the removal of labor saving devices and machines, etc.

I won't give up the gym, because it is a part of my lifestyle and a way the I can help others, but I will and often do walk around town rather than drive, use a whisk rather than an electric mixer, rake leaves rather than use a leaf blower and many other tasks that can be more active.

There is no cost to NEAT. If you don't have the more activity weapons like rakes, or whisks they can be purchased at any rummage sale because no else is using them any more.

The boomer age has seen labor saving developments that have actually been detrimental to their health by limiting activity and therefore healthy exercise. Riding lawn mowers and snow blowers will not likely be cast away for push mowers and shovels anytime soon, but if the weather is nice and you can safely handle the exercise, do the work the hard way for a while for your health. It would not require too much imagination to fine the hard way to do even the most simple of projects.

So stand up right now just because you can.