“Eat less, move more” is probably the oldest advice in the fat loss handbook.
And it’s not technically wrong… but it’s also not 100% right.
That’s because most of the calories you burn every day have nothing to do with exercise.
Sure, you burn calories during your workouts.
But MOST of the calories you burn every day are from things you do outside of your workouts: walking the dog, going grocery shopping, and just moving around all day.
Researchers call this NEAT: non-exercise activity thermogenesis.
Studies show that NEAT can vary by up to 2,000 calories per day between two people of similar size.
Huge difference, right?
It explains why two people can follow the same plan and get completely different results.
AND… why someone who “doesn’t really work out” stays lean while someone who works out all the time struggles.
Especially if they collapse on the couch for the rest of the day after their workouts.
The good news: this is something you have control over!
It’s more of a mindset issue than anything else. It takes shifting your attention to look for opportunities for activity:
- Choosing the stairs over the elevator
- Actually using the walking pad at your desk!
- Adding a short walk after lunch
- Getting up from your computer every 30 mins
- Doing a lap around the house
- Standing while you take a call
After a while, it becomes second nature.
And it’s not just about fat loss.
Higher NEAT is linked to:
- Better blood sugar regulation and insulin sensitivity
- Improved cardiovascular health
- Stronger immune function
- Better mood and energy
- Improved lymphatic flow
- Better bone density over time
So for the complete calorie-burning story… move more during your workouts, AND all day long!
If you're a woman in her 40s or 50s who's been doing everything right and still not seeing results, this is exactly the kind of thing we dig into together inside our programs at Method3 Fitness.
See how our personalized coaching approach can help you go from struggling to stay consistent with your workouts and nutrition to achieving your fitness goals in just a few months.
Click the "Let's Connect" button or call us at 408-371-1212 to schedule your free Results Roadmap Meeting with our caring personal trainers and embark on your fitness journey today!
The details actually ARE in the details.
Committed to Your Success,
The Method3 Fitness Team
Method3 Fitness is conveniently located in San Jose. Our team of personal fitness trainers serves clients in Los Gatos, Campbell, Willow Glen, and other surrounding Bay Area cities.
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The Method3 Fitness blog is updated weekly by our San Jose personal trainers. All content is designed to improve the way you move, eat, and think so you can achieve your goals and live stronger for today. Check back here each week and LIKE our Fan Page to stay up to date on the latest tips, strategies, and methods to get active, gain energy, and get healthy again!