logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2020
1h 45m

#128 The Surprising Truth About Exercis...

Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author
About this episode

Today’s episode will change the way you feel about exercise – and yourself. Do you ever feel guilty for taking the lift instead of the stairs? For swapping that workout for a lie in, or for having zero desire to run a marathon? If so, my guest has some reassuring words on why an aversion to exercise is completely natural. And some valuable advice on how we can overcome that to reap the multiple health benefits. 


Dr Daniel Lieberman is a paleoanthropologist and Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. He has studied evolution and researched cultures all over the globe, to explain the science of how and why we move today. Whether you struggle to exercise or you’re a committed fitness fan, I think you’ll find his new perspectives on physical activity absolutely fascinating. 


Among the many topics we cover in this conversation, Daniel addresses the following questions:


Can exercise really help you lose weight?


Does running ruin your knees?


Should we be running barefoot?


Is sitting the new smoking?


Do you need eight hours’ sleep a night? 


Should activity levels decline with age?


I think some of his answers might really surprise you. I hope this conversation helps you feel better about the role of exercise in your life and have more compassion for yourself. I think it might just inspire you to move more, too.


Show notes available at drchatterjee.com/128


Follow me on instagram.com/drchatterjee/


Follow me on facebook.com/DrChatterjee/


Follow me on twitter.com/drchatterjeeuk


DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Up next
Yesterday
The Art of Communication: How to Stay Calm, Connected and In Control During Life’s Toughest Moments with Jefferson Fisher #571
Most of us spend our lives in conversation - yet very few of us are ever taught how to communicate well. Whether it’s with our partners, colleagues, family or friends, we often assume that being heard is the same as being understood. But true communication isn’t just about the wo ... Show More
2h 6m
Jul 3
BITESIZE | How to Reinvent Your Life This Summer: 5 Simple Habits That Really Work | Dr Rangan Chatterjee #570
The summer months have a different flavour and feel to the other months of the year; there’s something different about our energy, motivation and willpower. And, if we can harness those differences, we have a golden opportunity to make meaningful changes in our life. Feel Better ... Show More
22m 38s
Jul 1
How To Become Less Reactive & Cultivate A Deep Sense Of Calm with Jonny Miller #569
Many of us are living with chronically dysregulated nervous systems, yet we mistake this reactive state for normal. Research suggests that our nervous system acts as a lens through which we experience reality. But when that lens is out of balance, we start to see threats where no ... Show More
1h 51m
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2021
Why It’s Normal to Dislike Exercise
Daniel Lieberman is a professor of human evolutionary biology at Harvard University and the author of the new book Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding. Today, he joins host Elise Loehnen to break down the history and science behind why so many ... Show More
55m 14s
Jan 2024
Moment 143: This Is Why You Can't Lose Weight: Daniel Lieberman
In this moment, Harvard University professor and best-selling author, Daniel Lieberman, busts some of the most common myths around exercise. For 2 of the biggest myths, Daniel says that they are too simplistic, saying that you must sleep 8 hours a night or that sitting is terribl ... Show More
13m 26s
Jun 2024
Why have we evolved to avoid exercise? With Harvard Professor Daniel Lieberman (E263)
In this episode, Jake meets with Daniel Lieberman, a renowned researcher in human evolutionary biology and a Professor at Harvard University, to discuss the profound impact of exercise on our health and longevity. Daniel delves into the evidence revealing how just a moderate amou ... Show More
56m 26s
May 2023
Dr. A Talks Mindset, Motivation, and Discipline on The Better Man Podcast with Dean Pohlman
This bonus episode of the Fit Father Project Podcast is a special episode because we’re going to play a recent interview Dr. A did with Dean Pohlman of Man Flow Yoga on the Better Man Podcast.It’s all about mindset, motivation, discipline, and getting your inner self aligned — me ... Show More
1h 31m
May 2014
Can Heat Make You Burn More Fat, How To Run With A Knee Injury, Why I Don't Do Crossfit And Much More!
https://bengreenfieldfitness.com/284 May 28, 2014 Podcast: How To Run A Marathon With A Knee Injury, Can Heat Make You Burn More Fat, How To Do Magnesium Baths, Stevia vs. Artificial Sweeteners, Natural Remedies for Menstrual Cramps, and Hidden Causes of High Blood Sugar. Have a ... Show More
1h 23m
May 2024
Why is exercise good for your mental health?
As part of the BBC’s mental well-being season, All in the Mind takes a deep dive into the evidence on the relationship between exercise and mental health. Not just whether getting moving can make a difference, but why. Claudia Hammond laces up her running shoes and goes for a jog ... Show More
28m 4s
Oct 2023
2192: Dr. Jordan Shallow & Dr. Adeel Khan
Catching up with the Muscle Doc. (2:40) Introducing Dr. Adeel Khan to the audience. (9:00) How big of an impact does combining their forces make for an athlete? (13:27) At the end of the day, the right compound needs to get to the right place. (15:31) How to regenerate tissue usi ... Show More
1h 46m
Jun 2024
2601: [Part 1] Beyond The Physical Benefits of Health and Fitness Programs by Ross Enamait of Ross Training
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2601:Ross Enamait of RossTraining.com shares the deeper motivations behind his commitment to physical fitness, emphasizing h ... Show More
9m 19s
Apr 2024
2519: Don’t Believe These Health and Fitness Myths by Marc Bilodeau of FitTrend on Sustainable Healthy Habits
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.Episode 2519:Marc Bilodeau of FitTrend.com debunks common health and fitness myths in this enlightening article. He clarifies miscon ... Show More
12m 23s
Apr 2023
Why We Love and Hate Exercising —And How to Do it Either Way
We all know that exercise is good for us — for both our bodies and our minds — but motivating yourself to hit the gym, take a run, or even go for a walk sometimes feels like the hardest thing in the world. There are constant rebuttals that arise in our minds: We're too busy. We'r ... Show More
48m 43s