Why N.E.A.T. should be part of your performance boosting
Dear Tribe,
There is one key strategy to support woman's performance that I think is a game changer for all of us. It is called NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis).
Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) refers to the energy expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating, or sports-like exercise — such as walking, cleaning, gardening, fidgeting, or even standing.
NEAT offers significant benefits to everyone, but there are some reasons it may have relatively more impactful or unique benefits for women than for men, due to differences in physiology, hormones, lifestyle patterns, and societal roles. Here's how:
1. Hormonal Sensitivity & Stress Response
Women’s bodies are often more sensitive to stress and hormonal fluctuations, especially during menstrual cycles, pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.
High-intensity exercise can sometimes spike cortisol, disrupting hormone balance. NEAT offers a low-stress way to stay active without taxing the endocrine system.
2. Metabolism & Fat Storage Patterns
Us women tend to store fat more efficiently (especially in the hips and thighs) and generally have a lower resting metabolic rate compared to men.
NEAT helps offset this by boosting daily energy expenditure in a gentle, sustainable way, which can be especially helpful for weight management.
3. Higher Prevalence of Sedentary Jobs & Caregiving Roles
Many women have desk-based jobs and/or caregiving responsibilities, both of which often limit time or energy for structured exercise.
NEAT (e.g., household chores, walking kids to school, standing while folding laundry) provides a practical way to stay active within daily routines.
4. Greater Risk of Osteoporosis
Women are at higher risk for bone density loss, especially after menopause.
NEAT activities like walking, gardening, and housework involve weight-bearing movement, which can support bone health without the risks of high-impact exercise.
5. Body Image & Exercise Anxiety
Some women experience pressure around gym culture or feel intimidated by formal exercise environments.
NEAT offers a non-intimidating, body-positive alternative to movement that can help build confidence and consistency.
6. Postpartum & Aging Transitions
NEAT is especially beneficial during postpartum recovery, when high-intensity exercise may not be safe or feasible.
Similarly, older women benefit from NEAT as it maintains mobility, independence, and daily function without the joint stress of intense workouts.
NEAT benefits both women and men, but:
For women, it often aligns better with hormonal rhythms, daily responsibilities, and health risks.
It serves as a powerful, accessible tool for improving long-term health, especially for women in transitional life stages (e.g., postpartum, perimenopause).
To start taking your performance to the next level with the simple strategies of N.E.A.T. All it takes is the commitment to insert moments in our daily lives where we can be slightly more active than usual. That's it!
It is time we take our health and performance in our hands – starting now with N.E.A.T!
Remember, paid subscribers get these super benefits:
Special discount for my latest book: ‘Reboot, Rebuild, Reconquer: Thriving with Uncertainty.’
Free access to #PeakPerformance & other events organized around the planet!
Special discounts on virtual and in-person coaching and training programmes I offer.
And remember, if you want to get in touch with me to help you and your teams get on to your/their Peak Performance, you can do so here.
Warmest, as always,
Christina