The Unexpected Benefits of Being "That Person" on the Escalator

Ever had that moment when something you've always done instinctively suddenly has a scientific name? That's exactly what happened to me with NEAT - Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. Don't let the fancy term fool you; it's simply the energy your body burns doing everyday activities that aren't formal exercise.

Growing up, my family had some annoying habits that used to drive me crazy. Despite having a perfectly good car, we'd walk everywhere - to the shops, taking the "scenic route" home, and lugging heavy shopping bags like amateur weightlifters. And don't even get me started on the mandatory escalator climbing! Little did I know, my Dad was secretly turning me into a NEAT enthusiast.

Fast forward to today, and I've become the very person I used to roll my eyes at. Now I'm the one encouraging (some might say pestering) my friends, boyfriend and children to embrace these energy-burning opportunities. The transformation is complete, and I'm not even sorry about it.

The Escalator Epiphany

Last week at Bond Street station, I had a revelation. While the majority of commuters queued patiently on the right side of the escalator, I was one of just four rebels walking up the left side. It was a stark reminder of how easy it is to fall into passive habits when active alternatives are readily available.

The Science Behind the Steps

Here's where it gets interesting - and slightly controversial. There's actually something called the "broken escalator phenomenon" that health and safety experts use to argue against walking on escalators. Apparently, our brains are so clever (or perhaps too clever) that they automatically adjust our balance and motor control for moving escalators. Even when we know an escalator isn't moving, our brain still prepares for movement, leading to that odd sensation when stepping onto a stationary one.

But should this stop us from maximizing our daily NEAT opportunities? I think not!

NEAT Ways to Move More

These small habits have become part of my daily rhythm, requiring no grand lifestyle changes:

• Regular food shopping trips (with bags as bonus weight training)

• Walking up escalators (living life on the edge!)

• Housework like hoovering (my thanks go to Jay Shetty here and ‘Think Like a Monk’)

• Gardening (exercise disguised as hobby)

The Great Domestic Debate

One question that keeps me up at night: what burns more energy - loading/unloading a dishwasher or washing up by hand? While I ponder this domestic dilemma, I'll continue being that person who treats escalators like a workout.

Yes, I'm a proud escalator climber. A risk-taker. A NEAT enthusiast. And maybe, just maybe, these small daily choices are adding up to something bigger than just saving a few minutes on journeys.

Remember, it's not about making dramatic changes to your lifestyle - it's about finding those small, everyday opportunities to move more. Even if it means being "that person" on the escalator.