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Thursday, October 13, 2011

Why don't exercisers crave their workouts despite "runners high" ?

Why is it that many have to force themselves to work out, even though exercise releases feel good hormones such as dopamine and endorphines? A UBC researcher (Matthew Ruby) recently asked the same question and surveyed numerous gym members to find out.

People are generally bad at predicting how they'll feel in the future.  The early unpleasantness of exercise causes a short-sightedness so that people tend not to focus of the future "high" of working out, but remain reluctant due to the initial discomfort.... and therefore often forgo their exercise commitment.

So how can this research be useful for those wanting to step up their exercise program?  First of all, to focus only on the good feelings that come later in the routine. Secondly, to rearrange the routine starting with  favourite exercises.  Both these strategies can increase motivation to stick to the routine.

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