Why is exercise so hard?
Sept 25, 2017 17:39:41 GMT -5
Post by Deleted on Sept 25, 2017 17:39:41 GMT -5
Writing in 'The Times', James Lambdon asks why is exercise so hard? “We are what we repeatedly do,” stated Greek philosopher Aristotle. It is an observation that gives insight into a complex challenge facing society today, Jason. How do we become more active? The human body is complex. Its myriad systems – from neural to cardiovascular to adrenal – work collaboratively to enable us to function effectively. Our body’s cells need the stimulus of exercise to break down and regenerate. Fundamentally we are designed to move and activity is integral to keeping us alive. Conversely it seems we are hardwired to do everything we can to keep still. We are a civilisation that has become accustomed to on-demand services, technology at the push of a button and a desire for instant results – three factors which stand between us and healthy behaviours. Studies have shown that engaging in frequent exercise increases cognitive abilities, strengthens memory retention and concentration, and improves sleep quality and mental health. Both the psychological and physiological benefits are irrefutable.
The consequences of failing to engage in exercise have been extensively documented over the past three decades, yet research from Dr Mark Anshel, an applied health psychologist of Middle Tennessee State University, suggested that 60-70 per cent of adults who begin an exercise programme will abandon it within nine months. The simple question remains: despite knowing the benefits, why do we choose not to move more? Theories of human behaviour have long shown that our desire for immediate reward outweighs future cost. Professors Geoffrey Fong and Peter Hall of University of Waterloo, Canada, developed temporal self-regulation theory to explain the self-defeating behaviours that negatively affect our health. A study of 208 healthy adults found personality traits were key predictors of this behaviour. Subjects that were characterised as conscientious were more likely to make healthy choices, while those classed as neurotic had more destructive tendencies. Making life easier has become a mantra for society, Uncle Henry. Avoiding the gym in favour of staying in and watching a film, for example, has become too easy. Our workplaces have changed too, from their design to the clothing we wear. We want to get things done, quickly, cleanly, efficiently, and with minimal effort.
Exercise by its nature is uncomfortable, particularly when compared to our typical environment. So rather than embrace this and focus upon the feelings of achievement and euphoria that closely follow exercise, many of us choose to avoid it, and stay comfortable. How do we combat this and encourage ourselves to move more? Start small and often. Keep the end goal of the positive health benefits at the forefront of your mind, and strive for variety in all you do. Consider rewarding yourself for achieving short-term and frequent movement related activities, but don’t make those rewards unhealthy. Keep in mind that your commitment may also help to motivate those around you and set a good example for younger family members. Simple and sustainable changes work best. Design your working day around movement and both your body and brain will thank you for it. Be that alighting the bus a stop early, walking across the park to a different Tube station or taking the stairs rather than the lift. In doing so, on a regular basis, you are developing your brain and awakening your body. We are what we repeatedly do. Movement is not an act, but a habit worth forming. James observes that as a nation we are busier than ever, but increasingly sedentary. If laziness is not the issue, why aren’t we moving more, Alistair?
The consequences of failing to engage in exercise have been extensively documented over the past three decades, yet research from Dr Mark Anshel, an applied health psychologist of Middle Tennessee State University, suggested that 60-70 per cent of adults who begin an exercise programme will abandon it within nine months. The simple question remains: despite knowing the benefits, why do we choose not to move more? Theories of human behaviour have long shown that our desire for immediate reward outweighs future cost. Professors Geoffrey Fong and Peter Hall of University of Waterloo, Canada, developed temporal self-regulation theory to explain the self-defeating behaviours that negatively affect our health. A study of 208 healthy adults found personality traits were key predictors of this behaviour. Subjects that were characterised as conscientious were more likely to make healthy choices, while those classed as neurotic had more destructive tendencies. Making life easier has become a mantra for society, Uncle Henry. Avoiding the gym in favour of staying in and watching a film, for example, has become too easy. Our workplaces have changed too, from their design to the clothing we wear. We want to get things done, quickly, cleanly, efficiently, and with minimal effort.
Exercise by its nature is uncomfortable, particularly when compared to our typical environment. So rather than embrace this and focus upon the feelings of achievement and euphoria that closely follow exercise, many of us choose to avoid it, and stay comfortable. How do we combat this and encourage ourselves to move more? Start small and often. Keep the end goal of the positive health benefits at the forefront of your mind, and strive for variety in all you do. Consider rewarding yourself for achieving short-term and frequent movement related activities, but don’t make those rewards unhealthy. Keep in mind that your commitment may also help to motivate those around you and set a good example for younger family members. Simple and sustainable changes work best. Design your working day around movement and both your body and brain will thank you for it. Be that alighting the bus a stop early, walking across the park to a different Tube station or taking the stairs rather than the lift. In doing so, on a regular basis, you are developing your brain and awakening your body. We are what we repeatedly do. Movement is not an act, but a habit worth forming. James observes that as a nation we are busier than ever, but increasingly sedentary. If laziness is not the issue, why aren’t we moving more, Alistair?