Are You Programmed to Enjoy Exercise?
Scientists have studied whether or not the motivation to exercise is genetically inherited. We may find ourselves crunched for time, tired, or simply just plain unmotivated to exercise. Could it be that we are making excuses not to go because we have not inherited the gene that motivates us? Fraternal and identical twins were studied by tracking their activity through the use of monitors. Twins were more likely to have similar exercise habits than siblings that were not twins. Researchers found that genetics played a large role in the motivation to exercise. In order to find the specific gene responsible for motivation, rats were studied. Rats were bred depending on their willingness to exercise. It was found that gene expression was different in rats that were runners compared to non-runners.
In both humans and animals, the nucleus accumbens activates when taking part in activities that are enjoyable. The animals that were bred to have the "running gene" were also found to have more mature neurons in the nucleus accumbus than the non-runners. However, rats that were non runners exhibited a change in behavior after they were encouraged to exercise. These rats were simply placed on a running wheel. It was found that the neurons in their nucleus accumbens had matured. I feel that this phenomenon holds true to humans. Once people start exercising regularly, they realize how much better they feel after they are done. Exercise is stress reliving and produces "feel good hormones" or endorphins.
Secondary Article: http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/depression-and-exercise/art-20046495
