We Were Born to Hate Exercise

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We Were Born to Hate Exercise

It’s not that we don’t know exercise is good for us. But knowing that hasn’t prevented a lifetime of snoozing early morning workout alarms or avoiding burpees at all costs. So what could be sapping our motivation to exercise?

It’s not you, it’s probably your brain

That’s right: Your brain has likely been working against you. Thanks to…

• Evolution. Back in our hunter-gatherer days, people ran or lifted heavy things when it was necessary to survive. In between, they needed to save their energy. If something’s not crucial for survival, you’re naturally less interested in it, explains Keri Johns, PhD, a sports psychology expert.

• Our silly little psyches. You’re hardwired to want to do things you’re good at, says Johns. If you aren’t naturally athletic or great at squats, you probably don’t feel as motivated to do them. 

• Shame. Feeling like you should want to exercise — and seeing influencers in Alo sets make it look effortless on TikTok — “creates a little bit of a spiral to make it even harder to get up and go to it,” says Johns.

Your move

Consider this your opportunity to throw decades of “Why can’t I just do it?” in the trash. You can retrain your brain to tolerate — and, dare we say, like — exercise. Johns recommends:

• Removing the judgment. Reframe your lack of motivation as your biology, instead of a personal failure. It can help you actually want to exercise. 

• Starting small. Begin with a 10-minute walk. More often than not, you’ll enjoy it enough to go longer. 

• Remembering your “why.” Focus on goals that aren’t appearance-based, which can lead to self-judgment. Goals like being able to lift heavy things, play with your kids, or improve your pickleball game can keep you motivated longer.

• Minimizing your personal barriers to working out. “If the yoga mat's not out, you're not going to use it,” says Johns. So try keeping your free weights visible, or laying your workout clothes out the night before.

Last week, we asked you to vote on a question to answer. The winner was:

I haven’t worked out in a while. What exercises should I try?

FEATURED EXPERT:

Jennifer Scherer

Certified personal trainer and owner of Fredericksburg Fitness Studio in Fredericksburg, VA

Scherer recommends starting slow, scheduling your workouts in advance (to help make them part of your routine), and setting realistic goals. Try starting with: 

• Body-weight squats. “This is a simple, yet functional movement that is low impact and effective for building a strong, solid foundation,” she explains. Start with: Two to three sets of 10 to 15 reps.

• Push-ups. “[This move] activates your chest, triceps, shoulders, back, and core muscles,” and can be modified to fit beginner, intermediate, and advanced fitness levels. Start with: Two to three sets of five to 10 reps.

Plus, Scherer gave us one more exercise to try here (it’s a good one).

We’re sharing our favorite products that make working out somewhat enjoyable.

When you need multipurpose workout equipment…

• This foldable yoga mat can also become a yoga block, step, meditation cushion, and extra padding for your joints. She does it all.

• This water bottle-foam roller combo helps you stay hydrated and roll out sore muscles — wherever you are.

• These not-ugly wrist and ankle weights will add some extra resistance to your mental health walks. (Or while you dry your hair, IYKYK)

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