Lose Weight in Spare Time: How to Hit MET Goals with NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity)
Keywords: NEAT, Weight Loss, Spare Time, MET Goals, Metabolism
Do you think "exercise" only counts when you're in gym gear, sweating on a treadmill? Actually, a huge chunk of your daily calorie burn comes from NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis).
What is NEAT?
NEAT is the energy expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating, or sports-like exercise.
- Walking to get water
- Standing at your desk
- House chores
- Even fidgeting
These seemingly tiny actions often accumulate more MET-Hours than a dedicated 1-hour gym session.
Recalculating Your MET Bill
- Sitting: 1.0 MET
- Standing Desk: 1.5 METs
- Sweeping/Mopping: 3.0 - 3.5 METs (Equivalent to brisk walking!)
- Climbing Stairs: 8.0 METs (Equivalent to running!)
If you simply swap "Taking the Elevator" for "Climbing 3 Flights," or "Sitting Meeting" for "Walking Meeting," you can earn an extra 2-3 MET·h daily.
How MET Goals Tracks NEAT
Ordinary pedometers struggle to track non-stepping NEAT activities like chores. But MET Goals, using Apple Watch's heart rate and motion sensors, can capture these low-intensity but long-duration active states.
Don't underestimate spare time. Every bit counts. NEAT is the lazy person's secret to weight loss.
