Hey ,
Have you ever planned to workout but for whatever reason, just couldn't find the motivation to get out of bed or off the couch? According to Daniel Lieberman, a Harvard evolutionary biologist, there may be a reason why we tend to choose Netflix over exercise. Any idea what it is?
Lieberman's theory is that humans never evolved to exercise. In fact, his research claims that "humans have...deep-rooted instincts to avoid unnecessary physical activity, because until recently it was beneficial to avoid it." Basically, when early humans needed energy for hunting or gathering, it didn't make sense to go for a run or take a weight lifting class.
Now, Lieberman isn't claiming that we shouldn't exercise. He's just acknowledging why we have such a hard time getting out the door sometimes, even though we know exercise is good for us. Add the stress of the pandemic and nationwide social unrest, going for a run or strength training may feel like the last thing you want to do.
Lieberman's recommendation? Give yourself more grace and don't be mad at yourself for not wanting to exercise. When you find yourself struggling to get a workout done, opt for something like a walk or play hide and seek with your kids. Physical activity doesn't always have to be fitness or exercise.
If you're a recreational athlete who has performance based goals like getting faster or stronger, I know how important it is to log your training sessions. Instead of relying solely on intrinsic motivation to get your workouts done, practice making your training sessions part of your regular routine, like brushing your teeth. Methods like habit stacking and scheduling your workouts on your calendar may help fight the urge to skip
them.
The biggest takeaway here is that Lieberman's work proves that we should not shame ourselves (or others) into participating in exercise. And , if you know someone who could benefit from this info, please forward this email to them.
Want to read Lieberman's interview? Check it out below.
Takia McClendon
Co-Founder, City Fit Girls
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