What is Neat Certification and Who Provides It?

NEAT stands for the science of nonexercise activity thermogenesis, developed by Mayo Clinic. The term NEAT is trademarked by Mayo Clinic, so you won’t see it popping up on products similar to how we see terms like “organic” abused by the health industry. 

To qualify for NEAT™ Certification, a product must increase energy expenditure over sitting by more than 10 percent and companies must send their products directly to Mayo Clinic for testing to avoid reporting bias. Not only did SitFlow certify NEAT, but we were able to demonstrate that the SitFlow burns up to 20% more calories than sitting alone. 

Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) is the energy expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating, or sports-like exercise. It ranges from the energy expended walking to work, typing, performing yard work, undertaking agricultural tasks, and fidgeting. Even trivial physical activities increase metabolic rate substantially, and it is the cumulative impact of a multitude of exothermic actions that culminate in an individual’s daily NEAT. Learn more about NEAT here, and read our white papers  for more research on the benefits of using SitFLow products (from Mayo Clinic, Tokai University, and University of Illinois)

Watch a video of Mayo Clinic endocrinologist James A. Levine, M.D., Ph.D., discussing NEAT. 

Why is NEAT™ Certification important?

Essentially, Mayo Clinic has confirmed that by using your SitFlow you’re actively burning calories by allowing for more movement throughout the day. 

NEAT certification also allows consumers to make more informed decisions about the products they want to buy that directly affect their overall health and lifestyle. 

So Why Aren’t More Standing Desks NEAT Certified

Unfortunately may standing desks just don’t fit the bill. While standing itself may seem like the obvious alternative to those presented with information about the health risks of sitting all day, “standing in place” for several hours isn’t the solution. In reality, standing in place for long periods can actually be detrimental to your health. 

Prolonged standing at work has been linked to chronic back pain, musculoskeletal disorders, blood pooling in the legs, increased pressure in veins, and increased oxidative stress and many other issues. 

To put the icing on the cake, in addition to the obvious health risks, standing desks don’t actually help you burn more calories than sitting. 

Don’t waste your Investment: Get A SitFlow

Did you know that SitFlow can actually attach to a standing desk? SitFlow desk mount units have an adjustable strap that reaches down to your foot level. SitFlow attaches to any wooden desk (at least 1 inch thick) and can be setup and ready to use within minutes of opening the box so you can sit without a guilty conscience.