Exercise doesn’t have to be hard to boost health, says psychologist sharing tip to make it easier
THREE-quarters of adults say exercising feels like a chore rather than enjoyable, according to research.
A poll of 2,000 adults found 63 per cent admit the main reason they exercise is for physical gain, and 25 per cent say they take part because they feel like it is something they should do.
With just 28 per cent finding the activity fun.
However, the research, which also polled 1,000 children aged six to 11 found, in comparison, 92 per cent kids love exercise.
And for 77 per cent of youngsters, having fun is cited as the main reason they workout.
It also emerged that, when reflecting on their younger mindset, 82 per cent of adults admitted they didn’t hate exercise during their childhood – with 43 per cent even saying they "loved" moving.
The research was commissioned by ASICS, which has launched the world’s youngest exercise influencer team, the "Little Reminders", to get adults to exercise for how it makes them feel, rather than how it makes them look.
Psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos added: “As we grow older, societal influences such as social media and cultural norms emphasise the aesthetic outcomes of exercise, shaping our perception and relationship with not only exercise but with our bodies and body image.
“Though it is well documented that exercise can support our mental health, there still remains the misconception that for it to be effective, activity needs to be difficult, intense and sometimes painful.
“When in reality, you don’t need to do a full-body workout to reap the rewards.
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"The idea of returning to the mindset of our younger selves is a great way to conceptualise exercise, unlocking the full mental benefits of movement.
“Embracing this mindset as adults could be the key to positively restructuring our relationship with exercise and allow us to reignite our childhood love of moving for how it makes us feel.”
The study also highlighted how exercise as a child is instinctive – with 55 per cent of adults recalling they weren’t aware that they were exercising, as it was just how they played at that age.
But now 27 per cent agree changing how they look is the most important thing to them when engaging in physical activity.
Sadly, as we get older, the focus of exercise is all too often on physical gain and performance
Gary Raucher
More than one in three (36 per cent) often struggle to find the time to exercise – with others avoiding it due to not having the energy (45 per cent) or just not wanting to (29 per cent).
In fact, for 54 per cent of those polled via OnePoll.com, if they could choose one reason to exercise, they would do it for their body, compared to 31 per cent who would prioritise the mental benefits.
Gary Raucher, executive vice president from the sports company, said: “Children aged five to seven are at their peak activity levels, and their primary motivation to exercise is to feel good.
“Sadly, as we get older, the focus of exercise is all too often on physical gain and performance.
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“So instead of exercise being a way to release pressure and help people feel better, the exercise world often adds to the pressure. We want to change that.
“We hope that our newest recruits can help remind us of the real power of exercise and encourage us to move for our minds, not just our bodies.”
4 quick moves to help you lose weight fast
1. Walking
Sometimes overlooked as a form of exercise, walking briskly can help you build stamina, burn excess calories and make your heart healthier.
You do not have to walk for hours; the NHS says that just 10 minutes daily is enough.
Alternatively, try walking around the room at pace when you're on the phone.
2. Squats
Squats are a functional exercise that can boost calorie burn, help prevent injuries, strengthen your core, and improve your balance and posture.
You can get a few squats in while sitting on the sofa watching TV, experts say.
To do this, lead with your buttocks, keeping your back straight as you sit back down on the sofa, and stand back up.
Keep the movement slow and controlled.
3. Lunges
Lunges are a strength training exercise that may help you strengthen, sculpt, and tone your body.
They can also improve overall fitness and athletic performance, according to Healthline.
Try standing in a split stance with your right foot roughly two to three feet in front of the left foot.
Bend your knees and lower your body until the back knee is a few inches from the floor.
The front thigh should parallel the floor, and the back thigh and the back knee should point toward the floor.
Push back up to the starting position, keeping your weight on the front foot's heel, and repeat with the other leg.
4. Dancing
Who doesn't love a weekend boogie?
If you cut out the booze and try dancing during the day, it most certainly counts as a workout - you'll get a lovely mood boost out of it, too.
Turning on some music at home and have a little spin - you can even get the rest of the family involved and have a mini dance off.