When I spoke with Dr Nicole Hinds, a GP with a special interest in exercise and sport medicine, one particular insight completely shifted how I think about exercise. She explained that our brains are naturally wired not to want to exercise.
At first, that sounded like an excuse. But as she unpacked the evolutionary science behind it, I realised it explained so much about why I and so many others find it hard to stay consistent.
The Evolutionary Reason We Avoid Exercise
Dr Hinds explained that conserving energy was vital for survival when food wasn’t always guaranteed. Our ancestors needed to save calories for hunting or gathering. If we had been “designed” to enjoy exercising unnecessarily, we might have wasted energy we couldn’t afford to lose.
Fast forward to today, when food is readily available, and we’re left with a brain that still whispers: “Stay on the sofa. Save your energy.”
This isn’t laziness. It’s biology.
Why This Perspective Matters
Hearing this was oddly freeing. Instead of criticising myself for lacking motivation, I can see that resistance for what it is: an ancient survival mechanism. Once you understand that, you can use reason and planning to override it.
Dr Hinds emphasised that exercise will always feel somewhat uncomfortable, whether it’s sweating, getting out of breath, or pushing muscles to work. But recognising that discomfort as normal makes it easier to accept and push through.
The Three Types of Exercise Everyone Needs
In our discussion, Dr Hinds outlined three key categories of exercise she always recommends:
- Cardiovascular exercise – to get the heart rate up and improve endurance.
- Strength training – using weights, resistance bands, or even your own body weight.
- Balance and flexibility work – such as yoga or Pilates, to improve stability and reduce injury risk.
These three areas form the foundation of a healthy, balanced routine.
Finding What Works in Real Life
Life is busy. Many of us juggle work, family, and responsibilities that leave little time for long gym sessions. Dr Hinds encourages people to find exercises that fit into their own daily lives, whether that’s at home, in short bursts, or woven into routines they already have.
Even small, consistent efforts can add up to major long-term benefits.
Listen Now
That conversation changed the way I think about motivation and movement. If our brains are wired to avoid exercise, then the key isn’t waiting for motivation to appear – it’s creating systems and habits that make it easier to start.
This episode of the podcast was full of practical insights like these, and I’d love for you to hear them directly from Dr Nicole herself.
Listen to Part 3 of my conversation with Dr Nicole Hinds.
– Written by host Hala Ali
The Visionary with Hala Ali Podcast 