Why We Struggle to Exercise... (and How to Change That)

Inspired by Daniel Lieberman's "Exercised" - made friendly by Tablelands Sports Spinal
Physiotherapy!
Do you ever feel guilty for not wanting to exercise? Your'e not alone — and you are not
broken. Harvard scientist Daniel Lieberman says that we didn’t evolve to work out for fun.
Our ancestors only moved when they had to: to hunt, gather, or escape danger. So if your
brain prefers the couch, it’s doing exactly what it was designed to do!

But here’s the catch: in today's world, movement is optional, and sitting is everywhere. That
mismatch is making us stiff, sore, tired, and unwell. The good news? We can retrain our
brains and bodies to embrace movement — and it doesn't have to mean boot camps or
burpees.
Here’s what the science tells us:
✅ Rest is natural, but too much rest causes problems. Hunter-gatherers rest often, but
they also walk 5-15km a day doing life. Our bodies like to move in small, regular doses.
Think: short walks, stretching, or even hanging out the washing.

✅ You were built to move. Your muscles, bones, and even your sweat glands are designed
for endurance. Movement helps regulate blood sugar, hormones, inflammation, and even
your mood.

✅ It doesn't take much to make a big difference. Just 150 minutes per week of moderate
activity (like brisk walking) reduces your risk of major diseases. You can spread it across the
week and break it into chunks.

✅ Motivation is a myth. Systems are better. We’re not wired to seek out movement just for
the sake of it. But we are wired for social connection, purpose, and routine. So: walk with a
friend. Dance in the kitchen. Put it in your calendar.

✅ Exercise protects your brain and bones as you age. It boosts memory, improves sleep,
strengthens muscles, and reduces your risk of falls, fractures, dementia, and depression.