Let’s clear something up straight away: despite the name, NEAT has absolutely nothing to do with being tidy. You don’t need a labelled spice rack or a sock drawer organised by colour to take part. NEAT - short for Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis - is simply the energy you burn through all the little movements you make when you’re not working out. Think: walking to the shop, climbing the stairs, walking up the escalator, hoisting your chronically overstuffed handbag, and even fidgeting your way through your morning meetings.
In fact, a 2024 study found that NEAT - the calories you burn just by moving around in everyday life - was significant for people who don’t do any formal workouts. And it’s clearly a hit: a 2025 YouGov survey found that walking is the UK’s favourite way to stay active, with 76% of adults saying it’s their go-to move. So really, NEAT is the only workout that happens when you’re simply living your life - which feels like a total win.
