January 31st 2024.
Do you ever find yourself envying those who seem to effortlessly maintain a consistent exercise routine? You may feel frustrated with yourself for lacking the motivation or willpower to do the same. But here's the thing - it's not entirely your fault. It could actually be your brain's doing.
It turns out that our brains are wired to resist exercise. This may sound counterintuitive, but think about it - for thousands of years, our ancestors had to be physically active in order to survive. Hunting, farming, and gathering food were all physically demanding tasks. So, it's no wonder that our brains have evolved to conserve energy and avoid unnecessary physical exertion.
It's no secret that many of us struggle to stay active during the winter months. The cold and wet weather can make exercising a less than enjoyable experience. But did you know that over 30% of 25-44 year olds are actually skipping exercise due to a lack of motivation? In the UK, only 61.4% of adults are considered "physically active" - meaning they engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity a week.
According to evolutionary biologist Daniel Lieberman, this reluctance to exercise is completely normal and natural. It's a result of our evolutionary history and our tendency to conserve energy whenever possible. After all, for our Neanderthal ancestors, going for a leisurely jog or hitting the gym would have been a waste of precious energy that could have been used for more essential tasks.
But while our society has advanced and created modern conveniences like escalators, cars, and elevators, they also contribute to our tendency to be lazy. In fact, a 2018 study found that avoiding sedentary behavior actually takes more brain power than staying active. Our brains are wired to resist physical activity, which can make it challenging to stick to a regular exercise routine.
However, sometimes it's not just our brain's reluctance that holds us back from exercising. Confidence can also play a significant role. Many women, for example, report feeling self-conscious about exercising in front of others, especially during the summer months. This can be due to fitness levels, self-esteem issues, or a fear of judgment.
To overcome this, it can be helpful to find your "why" for exercising. Ask yourself questions like, "How do I want to feel?" or "Who am I doing this for?" You can also try thought experiments, such as imagining yourself at 80 years old and reflecting on what accomplishments you would be proud of. And don't be afraid to seek support from friends or family who share your exercise goals.
Additionally, wearing your favorite workout clothes can make exercise more enjoyable. In fact, studies have shown that over three in five women find exercise more enjoyable when they're wearing their favorite active wear. If you have the means, treating yourself to some new workout gear can be a great motivator.
But if your brain is still sabotaging your desire to exercise, personal trainer Ben Teasdale suggests setting realistic goals, finding an accountability partner, and exercising in the morning when you have more energy. Keeping track of your progress can also be a great source of motivation.
So, don't beat yourself up if you struggle to stay active. It's not entirely your fault - it's just your brain's natural inclination to conserve energy. But with the right mindset and support, you can overcome this and achieve your fitness goals.
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