A new study, which was presented as part of an exercise research meeting of the American Physiological Society, has found that there’s a link between people wanting to work out (err, or not work out) and their genes.
This research uncovered that while most people receive an increased level of the brain chemical dopamine (which boosts feelings of motivation, pleasure and wellbeing) post-workout, some people don’t.
Apparently, this is because there are genes that actually work against the release of dopamine, which lead researcher Rodney Dishman of the University of Georgia in the U.S. says may “help explains why about 25 percent of the participants drop out of exercise or don’t exercise at the recommended amount”.
However, while this may answer for lack of motivation levels when it comes to those pre-work F45 classes, it doesn’t mean that those with lower dopamine levels can’t overcome this and, consequentially, love to exercise.
“Genetics is very, very important, but nothing is written in stone,” registered dietitian Dori Arad told CBS News.
“You can decide to be active and move and do exercise, and in essence you can rewrite your brain so that exercise becomes pleasurable and rewarding.”
Miley Cyrus is an avid yoga lover – and it shows.
Lea Michele’s love of SoulCycle seems to be in her genes…
For those of you who struggle to get motivated and fit-spired, here are three ways you can burn calories without even realising.
Eat from smaller plates
When it comes to kicking off any weightloss journey, start small. And by small, scientists say just by choosing smaller plates you can sit and eat, and cut out unnecessary calories.
As previously reported by Woman’s Day, a recent study found that swapping your 12-inch plate for a 10-inch one can save you a huge 500 calories.
This is because you’ll typically serve yourself 20-25 per cent less food to begin with, meaning that overeating will become a thing of the past.
CLICK through our gallery of your favourite celebrities’ go-to snacks! Post continues…
Health-conscious Gwyneth Paltrow is all about the matcha lattes!
Walk, walk, walk
If you’re not into hitting the pavement or park for a sprint session, don’t underestimate the calorie-burning power of walking.
According to research, walking is a great and often-overlooked form of exercise, because not only does adding extra steps to your day help cut kilojoules, but it is a free workout that anyone can do, anywhere.
CLICK through our gallery of what these celebrities wear to the gym. Post continues…
Bachelor alum Keira Maguire loves posting her #activewear snaps to Instagram!
Swap your desk chair for an exercise ball
Replacing your desk chair for an exercise ball has been shown to increase the body’s calorie-burning capacity by six per cent.
Because the ball forces you to mindlessly use muscle groups that you otherwise wouldn’t such as the abdominals, back, glutes and quads, you can burn up to 200 calories by spending just two hours sitting.
WATCH Gigi Hadid get her workout on!
