Does Vacuuming Count as Exercise?

Great question! The simple answer is—not exactly, but it falls under the category of non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT), which holds equal importance to traditional, structured exercise.

Nowadays, we're less active than ever, with more desk jobs, lifestyle conveniences, and technology use. But did you know that staying active, even outside the gym, can significantly impact your daily calorie burn?

In this blog, discover the significance of NEAT, its impact on your overall well-being, and practical ways to incorporate more movement into your daily routine.

What Is NEAT?

NEAT encompasses the energy expended during daily activities aside from sleeping, eating, and deliberate physical exercise. It includes everyday movements such as walking, standing, fidgeting, gardening, vacuuming, and even typing.

Here’s why NEAT activity is so important:

1. NEAT accounts for about 15% of your total daily energy expenditure (the total number of calories your body burns in one day).¹ The more active you are, the more energy you burn.
2. Being active all day with NEAT activities can be as helpful as a structured workout for reducing your risk of chronic diseases and improving overall health.¹
3. The best part is, you can move more each day without paying for a trainer or a gym membership and do things that you enjoy.

How to Include NEAT Activities Into Your Day

Increasing NEAT is something you can do with simple changes to your daily routine. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Daily stretches
• Household chores—laundry, dishes, vacuuming
• Parking farther away and walk
• Gardening and yard work
• More cooking activities—shopping, chopping, kitchen prep

Make staying active enjoyable by aiming to reduce sedentary time each day and setting alarms as reminders to move. Don't forget that protein can amplify the benefits of exercise, supporting recovery and the preservation of lean muscle mass.² Try blending up a protein shake after completing tasks or spending time in the yard.

Summary

References