We all know the importance of exercise. The common wellbeing mantra is: “Move your body, fuel your health, and optimize your performance.” Yet, despite the clear benefits, we often find ourselves avoiding certain types of exercise that could actually make us healthier and boost our overall performance. Why do we do this? Are we simply seeking the quick dopamine hit of the exercises we enjoy, or is there something deeper at play?
The Search for the “Feel-Good” Exercise
It’s easy to fall into the trap of exercising in a way that feels rewarding in the moment. High-intensity sessions, like sprints, weightlifting, or even intense cardio, often provide a quick burst of energy and a sense of accomplishment. These types of workouts stimulate the release of endorphins, dopamine, and adrenaline, giving us that post-workout “high” that leaves us feeling euphoric. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t enjoy that sense of invincibility?
But when it comes to more less glamorous forms of exercise like stretching, mobility work, or slow-paced strength training, our motivation tends to be lost. These exercises don’t offer the same instant gratification. They’re not as flashy, and their benefits often seem less immediate. They can feel uncomfortable, monotonous, or just plain unexciting compared to more intense activities.
The Dangers of Avoiding the Essentials
While chasing that hormonal rush is natural, it can also limit our overall progress. There’s a tendency to favor exercises that are fun and rewarding in the short term, while neglecting the movements that would make us stronger and healthier in the long run. Think about mobility work, for instance. Most people avoid it because it doesn’t feel like it’s doing anything “big” for the body. But in reality, stretching and improving flexibility can enhance athletic performance, reduce the risk of injury, and increase range of motion, all of which are vital for long-term health.
Similarly, exercises like slow and controlled strength training or stability work don’t give us the immediate rush we might crave. They require patience, consistency, and sometimes a bit of discomfort. But the rewards? They’re foundational: increased core strength, better posture, injury prevention, and improved functional movement. These exercises allow us to continue performing our favorite high-intensity workouts without burnout or injury.
Why Do We Avoid What’s Good for Us?
1. Instant Gratification vs. Long-Term Benefits: As humans, we tend to favor short-term rewards over long-term gains. We want to feel good now, not later. This bias leads us to prioritize exercises that give us an immediate emotional payoff, such as high-intensity workouts or those that produce visible results quickly. The slower, more methodical exercises don’t provide that instant feedback.
2. Discomfort: The exercises that truly challenge us like mobility drills, deep stretching, or slower, more controlled lifting often involve a level of discomfort that makes us feel uncomfortable. It’s hard to appreciate the importance of these movements when they’re not “fun” or easy. It’s easier to jump into a workout that makes us sweat and feel accomplished right away.
3. Misunderstanding of Health: We often equate exercise with only what we can see or feel strength, endurance, and aesthetics. But true health is about balance. It’s about giving our body what it needs in a holistic sense: flexibility, mobility, stability, and strength. Neglecting any part of the body’s needs can lead to imbalances, which may eventually impact our performance, health, and quality of life.
4. Fear of Failure or Inefficiency: Sometimes, we avoid exercises we think we’re bad at or unsure about, because they don’t provide the “success” we’re used to from more familiar exercises. For example, those who have been doing high-intensity cardio may feel awkward or frustrated when trying slower, more controlled movements like yoga or Pilates. It can feel inefficient or unproductive when we’re used to the intensity of a sprint session or heavy lifting.
Overcoming the Resistance
The key to truly becoming healthy and optimizing performance lies in embracing all aspects of fitness, not just the flashy ones. Here’s how you can approach the exercises you might be avoiding:
Shift Your Mindset: Rather than seeing mobility, stretching, and stability work as “boring” or “pointless,” view them as the foundation that supports your strength, endurance, and overall health. Think of them as necessary building blocks that allow you to perform better in your more intense workouts.
Find Enjoyment in the Process: Even though these exercises might not give you the immediate rush of dopamine you’re used to, they can still be rewarding. Focus on the long-term improvements you’ll see, such as increased flexibility, a stronger core, or fewer injuries. Celebrate small wins and improvements, no matter how incremental.
Incorporate Variety: The key to avoiding burnout and injury is variety. Balance your high-intensity workouts with slow, controlled movements, stretching, and mobility drills. This will help you build a well-rounded, resilient body that can take on any challenge, both in the gym and in life.
Be Consistent: The benefits of slower, less glamorous exercises accumulate over time. As with any form of training, consistency is key. Stick with it, and soon enough, you’ll feel the positive effects.
The Bottom Line
If we want to be truly healthy and achieve peak performance, we need to look beyond just the exercises that give us a rush. Yes, those high-intensity, “fun” workouts have their place, but neglecting the foundational exercises, those that challenge our mobility, stability, and flexibility, will eventually catch up with us.
It’s about creating a balanced fitness routine that nourishes the body in every way. Embrace the “boring” stuff. Your body will thank you in the long run.
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