Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

How To Build Lasting Strength: What Hunter-Gatherers Can Teach Us About Movement, Exercise & Healthy Ageing with Professor Daniel Lieberman #514

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Jan 22, 2025

Daniel Lieberman, a Harvard evolutionary biology professor, discusses how modern humans struggle with exercise despite its benefits. He explores lessons from hunter-gatherer societies, emphasizing the importance of purposeful movement and strength as we age. Lieberman critiques the oversimplified view of sitting as harmful, advocating for a personalized approach to activity. He also delves into the evolution of movement, the pros and cons of minimalist footwear, and the link between physical activity and reduced cancer risk.

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INSIGHT

Exercise Is Not Innate

Humans evolved to be physically active but not to exercise.
Exercise, defined as voluntary physical activity for health and fitness, is a modern concept.

ANECDOTE

Tarahumara Runner Anecdote

Daniel Lieberman recounts an anecdote about a Tarahumara runner.
The runner questioned why anyone would run unnecessarily, highlighting the difference in perspectives on exercise.

INSIGHT

Escalator vs. Stairs

Choosing the escalator over stairs is an instinctive energy-saving behavior.
Studies show less than 5% of people choose stairs over escalators, regardless of culture.

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Why do we find it so hard to exercise despite knowing how good it is for us? Is sitting really the new smoking? And what can we learn about movement from studying populations who live more traditional lifestyles?

My guest today is the brilliant Daniel Lieberman, Professor of Biological Science and Chair of the Department of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. His research studies how and why the human body is the way that it is, focusing on the evolution of physical activities such as walking and running and their relevance to health and disease. He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers and three books, including his most recent, Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved To Do is Healthy and Rewarding.

In this conversation, we cover so many fascinating topics and explore the powerful idea that humans have not actually evolved to exercise.

We compare the sitting habits of modern humans with more traditional societies and Daniel shares why it may not be how long we sit for that is causing us problems, but more the way in which we choose to sit. We also talk about the profound importance of maintaining strength and activity as we age, the relationship between movement and cancer, the truth about barefoot running and minimalist shoes and the concept of 'mismatch diseases' - this idea that our modern environment is in direct conflict with our evolutionary design, and the impact this is having on our wellbeing.

Throughout the conversation, Daniel challenges many common beliefs that exist around health, and offers us evidence-based, practical strategies for building a healthier relationship with physical activity.

Whether you're interested in the science of movement, looking to build sustainable exercise habits into your life, or simply curious about how our ancestors lived, this is a truly wonderful conversation with one of the world’s most highly respected experts. I hope you enjoy listening.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/514

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