Unlocking the Power of Non-Exercise Physical Activity (NEPA) for Your Health and Fitness
Ever wonder why you are encouraged to track your steps on your wearables? Turns out that keeping an eye on your Non-Exercise Physical Activity (NEPA) can be a real game changer to your overall fitness goals.
NEPA is any movement that is not part of your structured workout regimen. It includes everyday activities such as walking, housework, gardening, taking the stairs, and even pacing while you are on the phone. Surprisingly, NEPA can contribute up to 10% of your daily energy expenditure making it an asset in your fitness journey.
Close up of an arm with a smart watch and a hand checking the information on the watch face.
NEPA doesn't just complement your structured workouts. It often delivers more consistent results than moderate to high-intensity cardio exercises. But why is that? Have you ever noticed how ravenous you become after a vigorous run or a high-intensity circuit session?
It's not uncommon to feel hungrier than usual, or even give yourself permission to indulge in that pizza night. This could potentially undo all your hard work at the gym. If your goal is muscle gain, it might not have a significant impact, but for those aiming to shed fat, it can affect your daily calorie intake goal.
Unlike intense workouts, NEPA is typically lower in intensity and often doesn't even feel like a workout. However, it offers a multitude of benefits. It helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, places less strain on your joints, contributes to muscle tone and strength, and enhances circulation.
Additionally, NEPA works wonders for your mental health and overall well-being. It supports stress reduction, lifts your mood, and combats feelings of fatigue, ultimately promoting a healthier lifestyle.
Here are a few ideas to boost your daily non-exercise physical activity:
Take your meeting on the move. Instead of meeting in the office, step outside and walk around the block while you have your discussion. You will be surprised how many steps you can log as your conversation flows.
Change your commute. Park your car further away or take the stairs instead of the elevator. These simple strategies help you stay more active.
Embrace chores as an opportunity to move. Whether it's gardening, housework, or yard work, view your daily chores as a chance to log plenty of steps.
Take a break with your pooch. Instead of grabbing a snack to re-energize for your next meeting, grab the leash and take your pup for a walk down the street and back. An extra bonus – you get a dose of vitamin D for the day.
Active family time. Engage in active play with your children. Whether it's a game of soccer or a family bike ride, you'll enhance family bonding while staying active.
Discover a new hobby. Whether it is bird watching or landscape photography, find a passion that keeps your heart healthy and your passions alive.
Man gardening on a roof top, surrounded by bright flowers.
By incorporating these simple strategies, you can effortlessly infuse more NEPA into your daily routine, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle
