If you work out and “eat right,” you may still be frustrated by a lack of results. There is a very surprising possible reason why and it concerns the placebo effect—or more accurately, the “nocebo” effect.
The right combination of exercise and nutrition—applying the right physiology to the problem—is usually enough to get results. But what if the perceptions and attitudes about exercise and nutrition—the psychology of the problem—are a bit off?
Prepare to Be Amazed
One’s expectations, beliefs and perceptions about exercise can ultimately promote—or possibly inhibit—its benefits. In a study published in Psychological Science, groups of exercising people were in one of two groups: the “informed group” or the “non-informed group.” Researchers told the informed group that the physical activity they were doing was vigorous enough to meet governmental guidelines for activity. The non-informed group was given no such verbal information, and the physical activity was identical between the groups at both the outset and the conclusion of the study. After four weeks, the informed group perceived themselves to be more fit and did indeed have lower blood pressure, weight, waist-to-hip ratio and body mass index versus those in the non-informed group.
Never Exercise Because You Should
When researchers invoke psychological stress during an exercise routine in otherwise healthy adults, they observe a marked elevation in stress hormones, oxidative stress and inflammatory chemicals. Viewing exercise as a forceful and distasteful endeavor defeats its purpose. This physiological response to a psychological reaction can negate many of the beneficial effects of exercise. Researchers call this the “nocebo” response: negative outcomes result from negative expectations.
Many of you may have immediate, rapid-fire negative mental associations with words linked to exercise or to thoughts about exercise. And when you add the usual demands of daily life to put yourself in a time-pressured, fatigued state, these automatic associations can dictate reflexive behavior and generate an irresistible magnetic pull toward the couch.
Yet you dig deep, and summon the willpower to exercise one more time. When this cycle repeats, willpower gets exhausted. When that happens, you get mentally exhausted and exercise usually stops. As Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert says, “If you’re using willpower to exercise, then you’re doing it wrong.”
You cannot dislike, and grudgingly participate in, exercise and expect to get results. You will either 1) eliminate many of the benefits by perceiving it as negative, or 2) do it on willpower alone and stop after several weeks.
The Journey You Quit Rapidly Begins With One Step, Too
When it comes to compliance with even short-term prescription medications, human beings average only about 70 percent adherence. It’s likely no surprise to
… Continue reading here.
Fitnovatives Blog — Courtesy “American Council On Exercise” (ACEfitness.org)
First of my new series of 5 Minute Guitar Exercises is a really awesome tool to help you develop your ear / hand relationship, Find Melodies You Know. It’d n…
Video Rating: 4 / 5
SHRELT100AB – Sharp Brain Exerciser Calculator
Brain Exerciser Calculator keeps adult minds active with a simple but challenging math drill. Easily choose the number of math drill problems in increments of 25; 50 or 100. The Brain Exerciser calculates your score based upon speed and accuracy of responses. Top three scores are stored in the calculator’s memory. Brain Exerciser also provides standard calculator functions with three-key memory; tax keys for easy tax calculations; percent; sign change; and right shift key for easy corrections. Calculator offers a 10-digit slanted display with punctuation and runs on solar and battery power.
List Price: $ 14.99
Price: $ 13.49
Primal Raw Beef Bones 4 in. 2 Pack (2 lbs)
Natural, human grade, raw beef bones offer an excellent way for dogs to get essential nutrients, exercise their jaws and clean their teeth.
Price: $ 10.49
Sold by www.onlynaturalpet.com
5 Ways to Feel Good While Getting Fit
Setting intentions is a powerful thing. Then when you have that shiny new gym membership in hand, you feel like nothing stands between you and your goals to get in shape once and for all. Trouble is, lack of motivation, unpreparedness and busy schedules have a way of interfering with our plans. If you find […]
Exercise Training For Golf Will Do Wonders
Exercise training for golf is what every golfer who is serious about improving their golf swing power and mechanics should be focusing on especially senior golfers in the “off-season” or winter months. If you’ve read any of my articles you’ll know where I’m coming from. “Your body dictates your golf swing!” “A broken body will […]
Combat Breakfast Boredom with this Mix and Match Food Guide
April 23, 2015 | Fitnovatives Blog Everyone can benefit from eating breakfast. From weight loss and muscle repair to improved mood and focus, a morning meal benefits your body. When you sleep, your metabolism slows down. Rather than go through the day with a sluggish metabolism, jump-start it with breakfast. Information from the […]
Pre- and Post-workout Nutrition for High-Intensity Interval Training
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become hugely popular thanks to real results in shorter periods of time and extensive benefits. With busy schedules the norm, it’s no wonder so many clients and potential clients are now seeking out these kinds of workouts. HIIT, which involves repeated sessions of relatively brief, intermittent exercise, […]