Exercise Restores Dopamine Receptors

I used to dread doing any type of workout. I remember thinking, maybe I’m just naturally more lazy. But it turns out, we’re all wired for it—I was just approaching it all wrong. Today’s episode is going to turn you into the type of person who gets excited to move. 

I’m thrilled to share this conversation with Dr. Kelly McGonigal, a Stanford professor, bestselling author, and someone who has spent decades studying the psychology and neuroscience of movement. Her work was pivotal in changing my relationship with working out.

This episode isn’t about forcing yourself to work out harder. It’s about why we’ve been thinking about movement all wrong—and how to finally make it work with your brain instead of against it.

🎧 What you’ll learn:

• Why motivation is the wrong entry point for movement 
• What actually works to crave working out
• The wild impact movement has on preserving our dopamine levels as they decline with age
• How long it takes to enjoy working out
• The step counts of people who were depressed versus the step counts of people who felt full of meaning and purpose
• And so much more

Check out the FREE “21 Days To Change Your Life Plan” we made for our listeners at LizMoody.com/January.

If you liked this episode, check out this one:

The Science Of Putting Together a Workout Routine To Hit YOUR Goals

For more from Kelly McGonigal:

• Instagram @kellymariemcgonigal
• Website: www.kellymcgonigal.com
• Book: The Joy of Movement: How exercise helps us find happiness, hope, connection, and courage

Ready to uplevel every part of your life? Order Liz’s book 100 Ways to Change Your Life: The Science of Leveling Up Health, Happiness, Relationships & Success now! 

Connect with Liz on Instagram @lizmoody or online at www.lizmoody.com. Subscribe to the substack by visiting https://lizmoody.substack.com/welcome.Buy our cute sweatshirts, conversation cards, and more at https://shop.lizmoody.com/.

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This episode is brought to you completely free thanks to the following podcast sponsors:

Timeline: visit Timeline.com/Liz to claim my special offer.

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The Liz Moody Podcast cover art by Zack. The Liz Moody Podcast music by Alex Ruimy.

Formerly the Healthier Together Podcast. 

This podcast and website represents the opinions of Liz Moody and her guests to the show. The content here should not be taken as medical advice. The content here is for information purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your healthcare professional for any medical questions.

The Liz Moody Podcast Episode 394.

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