4 TED Talks That Will Make You Want to Exercise

Everyone knows exercise means great outcomes for your mind and body. Not only does it help build muscles and get your heart pumping, but it also helps clear your mind and relieves many forms of stress. However, wanting to exercise doesn’t mean we engage with it on a regular basis. Most people perceive their time as limited or simply don’t want to.

In reality, you should exercise regularly. Multiple TED talks have covered the importance of exercise, motivating those who don’t want to exercise to get off the couch. These TED talks contain some fascinating information and require your attention.

1. “Why Sitting Is Bad for You” by Murat Dalkilinc

Did you know that sitting can prove harmful in the long run? Have you ever plopped down on the couch after a hard day’s work and felt a wave of relaxation wash over you? You might not want to exercise, but doing this too much increase the chance of detrimental effects on your body.

The talk delves into the specifics about the body’s reaction to sitting and how it affects you over several years. For example, one point in the talk describes how people tend to sit with their shoulders slumped. This causes unwanted pressure on the spine and makes tendons and muscles in the back stretch to maintain posture. It’s a scary thought knowing sitting can hurt you. But it’s true.

2. “What If You Didn’t Drink Water?” by Mia Nucamulli

Drinking water plays a vital role in helping you stay alive. You need water to survive. No water equates to death. Even if you don’t drink straight water, you most likely still receive nourishment from soda beverages or sports drinks, for example. Aim to drink water as natural as possible though.

This TED talk covers a variety of reasons on the importance of drinking water for survival. The video states that you lose, on average, three liters of water a day.  A day! Whether through sweating or bowel movements, three liters leave your body every day. If you don’t replace this, you’ll become dehydrated. Dehydration leads to stress and a general feeling of crabbiness.

For some people, drinking water only happens when they exercise. Reward yourself by quenching your thirst after a good workout.

3. “Are We Born to Run?” by Christopher McDougall

Ah, yes. Running. The bane of every person who’s ever wanted to exercise but retreats from the fear of the mere thought of it. It’s hard. It sometimes hurts. And it plays a trivial role in your health. If you’ve ever questioned whether you should pick up running, this TED talk is for you.

The talk revolves around the idea that humans are born to run. People are built for this purpose. People weren’t meant to sit at a desk all day. The human body was made to move. And this talk will motivate you to get out and start running. Give it a watch!

4. “Your Genes Are Not Your Fate” by Dean Ornish

Rule out genetics as a reason not to run. You can no longer use the excuse that nobody in your family exercises so why should you? Have you heard people talk like that? If you have, then they need to see this inspiring TED talk about genes and exercise.

Many people stick to the claim that genes rule their lives. But, they don’t have to. The video talks about how making a choice to exercise has a fantastic effect on your body. Not only does your body get more fit, but people who exercise increase their brain cells. They physically change their body at a cellular level! This is a talk you need to see and find motivation through.

Go out there and start treating yourself right!