So, in short, don't discount all the physical activities that you engage in without intending to exercise. These programs are known as "functional training." Meanwhile, a workout regimen that involves everyday activities rather than formal exercise is also called NEAT exercise, or non-exercise activity thermogenesis. In fact, even some formal workouts intentionally mimic the "primal movement patterns that represent our daily movement patterns for life," such as squatting, pushing, pulling and twisting, as Brian Nunez, Nike master trainer and performance coach, put it. all of these activities build up and over weeks and months these can significantly influence our energy balance (contributing significantly to weight gain or weight loss)," he continued. "Everyday walking up and down stairs, to the shops, carrying things, hanging clothes out to dry, etc. But the reality is that many everyday tasks use up far more energy than light exercise," Murphy said. "This may be because informal exercise is difficult to quantify - one hour walking seems easier to quantify than cleaning the house. According to Mike Murphy, owner and head physiotherapist of Ireland's RAPID clinic, most people don't see informal exercise as, well, actual exercise. Herbst, a personal trainer and world champion powerlifter.Įxperts divide exercise into two categories: formal exercise and informal exercise. "Your body can't tell the difference between bending over to pull out a weed and bending down to pick up a kettlebell," explains Robert S. Informal exercise has the same impact on the body as formal workouts.Ĭan daily activities really count as exercise? Rethinking your idea of exercise might inspire you to get even more active - and you're not necessarily missing out if you skip the gym in favor of sweeping. But our lives still require physical movement each day, and it can be easier to meet your daily exercise quota with activities that you need to do anyway (like mowing the lawn) than set aside extra time to do a dedicated workout. These days, people spend a lot more time sitting still on couches, desk chairs and cars. Instead, it's all about physical activity and movement - whether for work, play or by doctor's orders.įor most of human history, physical activity was incorporated into people's daily lives in the form of labor and chores. In fact, the CDC's 2018 National Health Statistics report, which contains that 23% statistic, doesn't mention the word "exercise" once. You may be short on time or energy, or you may not have the equipment that you feel like you need.īut while you might imagine sneakers, sports bras and weight benches when you think of "exercise," you don't have to hit the gym to meet the CDC's guidelines for physical activity. So what gives? There are a lot of reasons that people don't exercise more. So even though you know everyone should exercise regularly, chances are high that you have trouble motivating yourself to actually do it. Only 23% of US adults meet all the weekly exercise guidelines, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, despite understanding the health benefits of working out.