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Why do some of us enjoy exercising and others don’t?
Dharani Yerrakalva
University of Cambridge, UK
The short answer is that exercise enjoyment is shaped by a complex interaction of biology, psychology and experience.
For many years, scientists assumed that people who exercised regularly simply had greater self-discipline. Research now suggests the story is more complicated. One of the strongest predictors of future exercise habits is how enjoyable a workout feels while you are doing it. People who experience positive feelings during exercise are far more likely to repeat it.
Part of this difference may be biological. Physical activity stimulates brain systems linked to reward (like the “runner’s high”), including the release of dopamine and endorphins. Some individuals appear more sensitive to these effects than others, making exercise feel intrinsically rewarding. Genetics may contribute too, although researchers increasingly emphasise that genes interact with environmental and social factors, rather than determining behaviour outright.
Psychology is equally important. People tend to enjoy activities that make them feel competent, autonomous and successful. Past experiences matter as well. Someone whose memories of exercise involve embarrassment or failure may approach it with dread, while another person associates it with achievement, friendship or stress relief.
Expectations also play a surprisingly powerful role. Studies suggest that people who anticipate enjoying exercise are more likely to take part, creating a self-reinforcing cycle. Personality may influence preferences too: some thrive in competitive team sports, while others prefer solitary pursuits, such as swimming, cycling or hiking. There is no single “exercise personality”. Enjoyment isn’t a fixed trait. The right activity, intensity and setting can transform exercise from a chore into something people genuinely look forward to.
Aisla Niven
University of Edinburgh, UK
There is some evidence that enjoying exercise is partly determined by our biology. However, I prefer to focus on the influences that we can do something about!
A theory called self-determination theory provides a useful framework. This idea shows we are more likely to feel motivated and enjoy exercise when we feel competent, in control and connected to others. Feeling competent isn’t about making things easy, but finding exercise that you feel you can do and that provides opportunities to improve.
Exercise doesn’t need to be (only) about pumping iron in a high-octane gym environment; it can be regular walking. Being in control has a lot to do with having choice in the exercise. For many, memories linger of being “forced” to do sport at school, feeling incompetent and definitely not enjoying it! As adults, no one is likely to “force” us to do exercise, but knowing that there is more than one way to exercise and that there are options to choose from can improve feelings of control.
For some, feeling connected with and supported by others, during and after exercise, has an impact on enjoyment, and this social aspect can be important for longer-term engagement. If you like to be connected, then choosing group exercise or finding your digital community will probably enhance enjoyment. If that isn’t you (it isn’t me either, I’m a lone runner!), then choose to be active by yourself in a way that helps you feel competent!
Ametrine Lavender
Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, UK
Years ago, my cousin and I speculated that we have an easier time of getting fit and active, even after periods of being more sedentary, because we were very active as children. Our grandfather was an active, outdoorsy man, while my dad and aunt are/have been serious gardeners, walkers, climbers and cavers. Our holidays were often camping trips and countryside family walks.
It seems we find it easier and more enjoyable to get active and stay active than a lot of adults with a more sedentary background.
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For some, feeling connected with and supported by others, during and after exercise, has an impact on enjoyment
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We also learned to enjoy and appreciate being outdoors, away from the bustle of towns and cities. It won’t explain all adults who like to exercise, but probably makes sense to others who came from a more active background.
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