This year's Mr Universe competition is going to be tough because contestants like Alexandre Jacquier are raising the bar high.

The competition is still three months away, but one contestant, Alexandre Jacquier, is training as if it were right around the corner. Mens Active shared a video on Instagram where Jacquier was seen chopping wood intensely. No, he wasn't completing his house chores for the day; it was a NEAT workout.

“Alexandre Jacquier represents France at Mr Universe 2026, and trains in a pigsty he converted into a gym on his farm in the Landes. Rugby, surf, horse riding, and daily field work fill the hours most men spend behind a screen. He cooks every meal in duck fat. No protein powders staged on the counter, no macro app. No cutting phase. This is the physique NEAT builds,” stated the caption.

The caption further revealed the extent of his dedication to living life and competing as naturally as possible.

"A man who spends eight hours loading hay and working fields does not need a treadmill. He needs enough hard strength work to hold and add muscle — nothing more. That is the Jacquier formula."

Jacquier’s routine doesn't include protein powders or other supplements. He relies on natural eggs, meat, fat, and regional whole foods that provide him with all the nutrients needed to maintain his physique.

But what is NEAT? And why is this not widely known?

What is NEAT?

NEAT, or Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, simply means burning calories through everyday activities and not through gym exercises. For example, walking in your house, doing household chores, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, cooking, etc.

In short, any physical activity that isn’t done in a gym is a NEAT exercise. It might seem less effective than a gym, but these small chores make a huge difference in burning calories. In fact, about 25-30% of all calories burned daily come from NEAT.

Here are some examples of what constitutes NEAT:

• Taking the stairs
• Walking your dog
• Carry grocery shopping from the car to your home
• Washing your car
• Random fidgeting
• Playing with your children or pets
• Using a standing desk
• Walking to every short distance instead of taking public or private transport
• Gardening

Did you know about NEAT?

Follow Bodybuilding Bros for more.

Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi