Why do people hate exercise, despite knowing it’s so good for us? It’s gotta be something in our genes, or collective consciousness, because it’s so universal. Just about everyone we talk to agrees that they want to do more, should do more, but there’s always something that stops them.
Of course, there are a few gym rats, sports fanatics, and bodybuilders who are obsessed. Aside from them, however, most published studies estimate only 2% of adults workout on a consistent basis. Even fewer seniors. Rob and I have seen increasing numbers of healthy seniors at our gym, but still…
Even I, obsessed as I am about staying alive and disease-free as I turn 73, find myself coming up with excuses when it’s time to suit up and go sweat.
In our book SENIOR WAR ON AGING just published on Amazon this month, I discuss some ideas about why we seem to hate exercise. As a psychologist, of course, I’m always curious about what motivates us. For me, studying the science of what happens to our cells and mitochondria when we exercise is a great way to spur me into action.
Once I’m there in the gym, I have no problem starting my routine and within five minutes, I’m usually enjoying it. For other people, it’s the social aspect, being around other like-minded warriors. And for some, it’s to lose weight, or to firm up jiggly underarms and thighs. I think you have to be somewhat competitive in order to get hooked into a workout routine.
Some days it’s easier than others. Invariably, as I get ready to drive to the gym, however, I’ll hear myself coming up with excuses like not enough time, or too much back pain, etc., etc., etc. That’s why I’ve got built in excuse-busters in place. What works for me is an appointment with Charlie, my trainer. I don’t want to keep him waiting!
There’s a great chapter on why we hate exercise in the book QUANTITATIVE MEDICINE: Using Targeted Exercise and Diet to Reverse Aging and Reverse Chronic Disease, by Mike Nichols, M.D. and Charles Davis, Ph.D. (Golden Lotus, 2016). These authors suggest that our hypothalamus is involved. It controls so much of our hormones and dictates whether it”s time to conserve energy or not.
In my next blog post, I’ll explain further and give six reasons we may hate to workout. If you don’t want to miss, be sure to sign up for our special email list to get our tips delivered in your inbox.
But what about you? What makes you come up with excuses when it’s time to “just do it?” Hit the comment button and share!
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