Understand that while humans didn’t evolve for formal “exercise,” consistent daily movement is crucial for living well and overall health.
Reframe your perception of physical activity by considering inactivity as detrimental, akin to “poison” or “not having air,” rather than solely focusing on exercise as a “good” thing.
Recognize that struggling with regular physical activity is normal and not a personal failing, as humans evolved to avoid unnecessary energy expenditure; avoid self-blame and guilt.
Reframe physical activity by finding ways to make it purposeful and enjoyable, such as playing sports or walking with friends, rather than viewing it as a chore done solely for “exercise.”
Incorporate physical activity that is either necessary or genuinely rewarding (like play, purposeful work, or a race) into your life to overcome the natural instinct to avoid unnecessary movement.
Shift your mindset away from viewing exercise as a “medicine” or a “pill” to be taken, as this approach often makes it feel like an unpleasant chore and reduces adherence.
Dispense with the belief that only extreme exercise is beneficial; understand that “some exercise is better than none,” and even small increases in activity provide benefits.
Incorporate small, consistent increases in daily movement, such as taking the stairs or parking further away, as “anything is better than nothing” for improving health.
Target at least 7,000 steps daily for most benefits regarding all-cause mortality, understanding that more steps (e.g., 15,000-20,000) may offer further advantages for specific conditions like heart disease.
If motivating, use the 10,000 steps per day goal as a general guideline to increase your daily movement, acknowledging its arbitrary origin but practical utility.
Understand that physical activity doesn’t prevent all diseases but significantly reduces your vulnerability to chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes.
Challenge the modern notion of sedentary retirement; remain physically active as you age, as this aligns with human evolution and helps maintain health and longevity.
Consider incorporating AG1, a daily health drink, into your routine to support digestion and enrich your gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria.
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Read Professor Daniel Lieberman’s book “Exercised” to understand why physical activity is healthy and rewarding, despite humans not evolving to “exercise” in the modern sense.
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