The 'Just Do It' fallacy: why the brain prefers the sofa to the gym (and it's not our fault)Photo by jplenio on Pexels
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The 'Just Do It' fallacy: why the brain prefers the sofa to the gym (and it's not our fault)

oglobo8 September 2026 at 08:30

Evolutionary biologist Daniel Lieberman states that "we never evolved to exercise." Humans evolved to be physically active purely out of survival necessity, such as hunting, gathering, and exploring. However, exercise – understood as planned and structured activity to improve fitness – is a much more recent concept. Today, although technology has drastically reduced the need for us to move, physical activity continues to be essential for preserving physical and mental health.

The statistics are alarming. Globally, 1 in 3 adults and 8 in 10 teenagers do not reach the minimum levels of physical activity recommended by the World Health Organization. The article also mentions that 90% of people choose the elevator instead of the stairs, illustrating this sedentary tendency.

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