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The Importance of Daily Movement

Updated: Jan 31


A close up of a woman's feet in running shoes as she's running or walking.

The most common thing we hear is that ‘you need to exercise more’. Sure, that may be true, but what about your everyday movement? Do you spend most of the day sitting, moving from one chair to another?


This is referred to as NEAT or Non-exercise activity thermogenesis. The calories that we are burning when we aren't eating, sleeping, or during scheduled exercise/workouts.


When people want to increase their activity level their mind more often goes to going to the gym or doing an intense workout. Very seldom do we think of changing small things in our day around so we are moving more. It is not about making more time but changing the time that we already use.


An increase NEAT has been linked to improvements to metabolism, heart health, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.



Here are but a few physical and mental benefits:


An x-ray image of a hand.

  • Helps manage stress

  • Helps reduce tension in our body

  • Counters symptoms of anxiety and depression

  • Improves blood flow

  • Prevents and manages high blood pressure

  • Weight loss and maintenance - the more you move the more calories you are expending

  • Improves sleep

  • Pain reduction

  • Results in more energy - increases your endurance so you can do more in the day without feeling tired

  • Increases function of joints

  • Sharper thinking and memory - due to increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain


How to incorporate more movement in your day:


A person facing away from the camera wearing headphones and a beanie.

  • Use a standing desk when you can

  • Set a timer throughout the day to get up and move

  • Take a walk over your lunch

  • Walk during phone calls

  • Take the stairs

  • Park far away in parking lots

  • Walk on a treadmill while watching tv

  • Go for a walk in the morning/evening

  • Listen to an audiobook while doing chores

  • Do a short workout at home

  • Do some yoga/stretches

  • Take a workout class

  • Take a swim


An increase NEAT has been linked to improvements to metabolism, heart health, blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.


Incorporating more physical activity in your day and life does not have to be mountain to climb. They can be rolling hills that you take in stride.







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