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Posted by u/cuttingseason_2024··Cutting

Tracked NEAT for 90 days, but the variance is wild, anyone else experience this?

TL;DR: Tracked NEAT for 90 days, huge daily step variance. How do you keep it consistent?

So I've been tracking my NEAT with my watch for 90 days during my cutting phase, and honestly, the variance is kinda crazy! Some days I'm hitting 10k steps without even trying, while others I barely scrape 5k. I'm trying to keep things consistent for my macros, but this is messing with my daily caloric burn estimates. Anyone else notice this kind of fluctuation? What do you do to stabilize your NEAT during a cut?

Is it just me or is this a normal part of the process?

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u/squat_or_die·

What's the deal with all these steps anyway? Like, just take a walk and enjoy it, don't stress about hitting 10k. Just a chill day with some movement feels good.

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u/gymratbutchill·

Honestly, tracking NEAT is overrated, my dude. Just focus on lifting and eating right. NEAT will come naturally if you have an active lifestyle. If you're stressing about it, you might just be making it worse for yourself.

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u/proteinpancakes22·

Lowkey, tracking calories feels like a chore sometimes. I just focus on cooking meals I love, and it turns into a game to see how I can make them healthier while still tasting bomb. Just gotta stay active and have fun with it!

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u/justliftingstuff·

You're not alone. I've tracked my NEAT too, and I see fluctuations based on my work schedule and social plans. It helps to have a set target, but sometimes life just happens. I just focus on my training and macros instead of stressing about the daily burn.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

Variance is totally normal, especially during a cut! I've had days where I smash 15k steps without even trying, and others where I'm just sitting at my desk grinding away. Try to find little ways to boost that NEAT, like taking stairs instead of the elevator or going for a walk after dinner.

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

Yep, I've noticed that too! Some days I'm hustling around at work and hit 12k steps, while other days I barely make it to 5k. One thing that helps is scheduling short breaks for walks throughout my day. It really makes a difference in keeping NEAT up.

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u/cuttingseason_2024·

For real, tracking my food with MacroFactor made a huge difference for me. If I don't log, I can easily underestimate my intake. It's all about balancing everything, food and movement!

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u/dadbod_passion·

Dude, I'm in the same boat. My NEAT drops when I'm busy with family stuff. Just keep lifting and hitting your macros, your body will adapt. Don't stress about every little fluctuation.

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u/justliftingstuff·

It's all about being active in ways you enjoy! I've started walking my dog more, which keeps my NEAT up while also giving my pup some love. Plus, who doesn't love dog time?

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u/liftingtogether·

Keeping NEAT high is all about little choices. i started biking to work instead of driving, and I'm hitting more steps without realizing it! It's fun and helps clear my mind.

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u/5kqueen_2022·

I get what you're saying! On race days, I'm way more active, but on rest days, it's hard to hit that 5k. I find that scheduling short runs helps keep me on track during my cut.

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u/homegymhero·

I use a fitness tracker too, and my NEAT can fluctuate like crazy! I've found that planning specific activities helps. Like, if I know I'll be home, I set a timer to remind myself to get up and move every hour. Little things add up.

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u/cardio_is_life·

I hear ya! My steps vary like mad depending on my running schedule. On run days, I hit 15k without even thinking about it, but rest days can be a struggle. I try to incorporate walking meetings at work to keep that NEAT up.

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u/nurseliftsheavy·

Not sure I agree with that. NEAT is super important, especially during a cut. It can make or break your caloric deficit. I like to use MyFitnessPal for tracking everything, and it really helps me see where im at with my activity.

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u/lightweightsfordays·

Facts, my NEAT is like a rollercoaster. One day I'm all about that gym life and hit 11k, the next I'm binge-watching Netflix at home. I just try to enjoy the process, no stress!

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u/lactoseintolerantlifters·

This is a vibe! If I'm not careful, I can eat half a pizza and not realize how much I've actually consumed. I can't track calories if I'm just chilling. I try to stay active and do chores or take my dog out for walks!

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u/bodyweightbeast·

This is so real! I'm usually hitting 10k with my calisthenics sessions, but if I don't have a workout planned, it dips big time. I started doing 10-minute home workouts on off days to keep things consistent!

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u/6footdadbod·

Lmao, my NEAT goes down when I'm dad-ing hard. Some days I'm chasing my kids around, and others I'm just too tired. Honestly, I just embrace the chaos and make my workouts count when I can. Dad life.

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