Ep 8 - A NEAT way to exercise less and still burn calories and get healthier
If you hate exercise but still want to burn calories and improve your health this podcast is for you.
The solution you have been looking for is non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) and if you don't know what that is or how it works your hosts Bob Allen and Louise Gordon will tell you all you need to know.
Bob is an osteopath who has been treating people's pain problems since 2008. while Louise is a change coach who helps individuals and businesses to navigate change. Although she has no clinical experience she has been in pain and is qualified to ask the questions you would if you had access to a friendly and knowledgeable medical expert.
Bob and Louise explain how everyday activities that do not qualify as 'exercise' can help you burn more calories. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) encourages you to look at the value of your daily movements, from standing to walking to performing routine tasks like cleaning the house, ironing, gardening, etc.
If you are one of the many people who feel intimidated by the thought of going to the gym or playing a sport you can achieve similar health benefits by increasing your normal daily activities.
We also look at how different age groups can be NEATer, including older adults and individuals with limited mobility. We share insights on how small changes in your lifestyle can lead to significant health improvements over time including research that highlights how a more active lifestyle—such as standing desks or including short walking breaks—can give you similar benefits to more traditional exercises.
As always with the Pain Free Living podcast we aim to demystify the link between fitness and daily activity, to ensure the maximum number of people get involved because 'movement is medicine'.
Takeaways:
Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) refers to the calories burned through daily activities that do not include deliberate exercise. Increasing non-exercise activities, such as standing instead of sitting, can lead to substantial calorie expenditure over time. Movement is essential for health, and even small increases in daily activity can significantly benefit overall well-being. The fitness industry's focus on intense exercise can put people off simpler, beneficial activities around the home.More info on Bob and Louise
You can find out more about Bob and why he became an osteopath here
Here is something more on Louise and how She makes the complex simple
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If you want to follow Bob on social media this is the place for you linktr.ee/Painfreeliving
Pain Free Living
I'm Bob Allen and I have been helping people manage their pain since 2008.
I am an osteopath and physical therapist and the Pain Free Living channel is here to provide you with jargon-free, simple explanations for common pain problems like headaches, back, neck, and shoulder pain, and arthritis and explain why stress can make things worse
I will also be covering important topics like the way your nervous system works, ways to reduce Fibromyalgia symptoms, Kinesiophobia (fear of pain through movement), why NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis) is a good thing and other things you need to know about to help you enjoy a pain-free life.
I always say "Movement is medicine" as exercise is a great way to prevent pain. We will look at the practical type that gets your muscles and joints moving better rather than the kind that leaves you in a pool of sweat in the corner of the gym (but we can cover that if you really want me to!).
If you like understanding how your body works, why you might be in pain, and want practical advice on managing that pain this is the channel for you.
- No. of episodes: 27
- Latest episode: 2025-07-29
- Education Health & Fitness How To Medicine
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