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Why We Move: Discovering the Motivation for a Healthier Life

senior couple bike riding depicting fun physical activity

  • Main Ideas

    Learning Objective

    Understand the biological and psychological barriers to exercise and how discipline can overcome instinctive resistance to physical activity.


    Behavioral Objective

    Develop a consistent exercise routine by starting small, focusing on progress, and prioritizing discipline over fleeting motivation.


    Key Thought

    Motivation follows action-discipline is the key to embracing movement and unlocking health and vitality.

  • Main Ideas

    Learning Objective

    Understand the biological and psychological barriers to exercise and how discipline can overcome instinctive resistance to physical activity.


    Behavioral Objective

    Develop a consistent exercise routine by starting small, focusing on progress, and prioritizing discipline over fleeting motivation.


    Key Thought

    Motivation follows action-discipline is the key to embracing movement and unlocking health and vitality.

  • Terms

    Chronic Inflammation

    noun

    Long-term, low-grade inflammation that persists over time and contributes to developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.

    Discipline

    noun

    The ability to take consistent, intentional actions toward a goal, even when motivation is absent.

    Instinct

    noun

    A natural, often subconscious, behavior or response developed over generations to support survival.

    Moderate Intensity Exercise

    noun

    Physical activity that increases the heart rate and breathing but allows for conversation, such as fast walking or cycling on a flat road.

    Motivation

    noun

    The internal or external drive that prompts an individual to take action toward achieving a goal or satisfying a need.

    Self-Coercion

    noun

    The act of using discipline to force oneself into taking action, such as exercising, when motivation is lacking.

    Vigorous-Intensity Activity

    noun

    Physical activity that significantly raises heart rate and breathing, making it difficult to speak full sentences without pausing for breath.

  • Terms

    Chronic Inflammation

    noun

    Long-term, low-grade inflammation that persists over time and contributes to developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease.

    Discipline

    noun

    The ability to take consistent, intentional actions toward a goal, even when motivation is absent.

    Instinct

    noun

    A natural, often subconscious, behavior or response developed over generations to support survival.

    Moderate Intensity Exercise

    noun

    Physical activity that increases the heart rate and breathing but allows for conversation, such as fast walking or cycling on a flat road.

    Motivation

    noun

    The internal or external drive that prompts an individual to take action toward achieving a goal or satisfying a need.

    Self-Coercion

    noun

    The act of using discipline to force oneself into taking action, such as exercising, when motivation is lacking.

    Vigorous-Intensity Activity

    noun

    Physical activity that significantly raises heart rate and breathing, making it difficult to speak full sentences without pausing for breath.

Introduction

Instincts don't always align with what's best for our health. Over generations, human behaviors have evolved to prioritize survival, often leading to sedentary tendencies in today's world of abundance. Yet, our modern needs demand movement for a healthy, fulfilling life. This topic explores the science behind our reluctance to exercise, the impact of ingrained instincts, and practical strategies to cultivate discipline and motivation for physical activity.

Why Do We Struggle with Exercise?

Most people know that exercise is essential for wellness, yet only about 20% of Americans meet the recommended physical activity guidelines.1 Why the disconnect? The answer lies in our evolutionary past. For early humans, conserving energy and avoiding unnecessary exertion were survival strategies. In our current environment of calorie abundance and reduced physical demands, these instincts no longer serve us well. Instead, they hinder our ability to embrace the movement we need to thrive.

The Guidelines for Physical Activity

To maintain health, experts recommend the following weekly exercise options:

Option One:

  • At least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, such as brisk walking, water aerobics, or doubles tennis.
  • Two weight training sessions targeting all major muscle groups, including legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms.
  • Moderate-intensity activities must raise heart and breathing rates and last at least 10 minutes per session to count.

Option Two:

  • At least 1.25 hours of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity, such as jogging, lap swimming, or singles tennis.
  • Two weight training sessions targeting all major muscle groups.
  • Vigorous activities make speaking in full sentences without pausing for breath difficult.

Why We Don't Feel Like Exercising

The Fat Storage Signal

Evolutionary biology suggests that stored fat sends a message to the body: stay sedentary and conserve energy. In calorie-scarce environments, this behavior supported survival. However, in today's world, it leads to inactivity, even when movement is crucial for health.

Chronic Inflammation's Role

Excess fat storage contributes to chronic inflammation. Overstretched fat cells release distress signals, triggering the body's healing response. This persistent inflammation reduces energy levels and reinforces sedentary habits, creating a cycle of inactivity.

Breaking the Cycle: Discipline Over Motivation

Waiting for the perfect moment of motivation to start exercising is a common pitfall. Motivation is fleeting and unreliable, but discipline provides a consistent foundation for success. Here's how to take control:

  • Start Small: Begin with short, manageable workouts that feel achievable, such as a 10-minute walk.
  • Create Routines: Schedule exercise into your day as a non-negotiable habit, like brushing your teeth.
  • Focus on Progress: Celebrate small wins and improvements to build confidence and maintain momentum.

Coercion is Key

Struggling with starting and maintaining an exercise routine is normal. A lack of willpower isn't a personal failing; it's a biological challenge. Overcoming it requires intentional action-coercing yourself to move, even when you don't feel like it. The rewards, including improved energy, mood, and health, are worth the effort.

Final Thoughts

Exercise isn't just about fitness-it's about reclaiming control over your instincts and prioritizing your health. By understanding the barriers to movement and embracing discipline, you can create a sustainable routine that supports a healthier, more fulfilling life. Start small, stay consistent, and remember that motivation follows action, not vice versa.

Citations:

1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2013, May). One in five adults meet overall physical activity guidelines. Retrieved March 28, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2013/p0502-physical-activity.html

One Minute Posture Check : 1:02
Two Minute Posture, Breathing, and Chest : 01:49
Three Minute Posture, Breathing, and Standing Pushup : 02:40

Overcoming Instincts with Action

Objective: Take the first step toward movement by recognizing and overcoming instinctual resistance.

  • Identify a time of day when you feel least motivated to move.
  • Set a timer for 5 minutes and commit to a simple activity like stretching or walking in place.
  • Reflect on how you feel after completing the activity and note the small win in a journal.

10-Minute Bursts Challenge

Objective: Begin incorporating physical activity into your daily routine by using discipline rather than waiting for motivation.

  • Commit to 10-minute bursts of exercise at least three times a day. Choose simple exercises like walking, push-ups, or jumping jacks.
  • Mix up your routine with different activities like biking, swimming, or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) at least twice a week.
  • Track your progress over the course of a week and note any changes in energy, mood, or motivation levels.

Build Your Exercise Routine

Objective: Cultivate self-discipline by removing reliance on spontaneous motivation for exercise.

  • Create an exercise schedule that includes short daily activities you enjoy, such as walking or dancing. Stick to it for one week.
  • Reflect on your experience in a journal: Did you have to push yourself? What worked, and what didn't?
  • Identify any barriers and brainstorm ways to overcome them, such as setting reminders or finding a workout buddy.

Discover Your Why

Objective: Connect exercise with personal values to create a stronger sense of purpose.

  • Write down three reasons why being physically active is important to you (e.g., spending quality time with family, reducing stress, improving long-term health).
  • Choose one reason to focus on during your next workout or activity.
  • Reflect on how this reason motivates you and how it impacts your experience during exercise.

Course Outline



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