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The High Performance Podcast

Why have we evolved to avoid exercise? With Harvard Professor Daniel Lieberman (E263)

Jun 3, 2024
Join Harvard Professor Daniel Lieberman, a leading expert in human evolutionary biology and author of "Exercised," as he explores our complex relationship with physical activity. He reveals how just a bit of exercise can drastically lower disease risk and improve mental well-being. Daniel discusses the evolutionary basis for our aversion to movement and argues for integrating physical activity into our daily lives. He also underscores the importance of sleep and community in promoting healthier lifestyles, challenging us to rethink our sedentary habits for better health.
56:26

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Moderate physical activity reduces risk of chronic diseases like cancer.
  • Our bodies evolved for activity, emphasizing the need for regular exercise.

Deep dives

Importance of Physical Activity for Health

Being physically active has profound benefits for overall health by reducing the risk of chronic diseases like breast cancer, colon cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease, and diabetes. Just 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week can significantly lower the risk of death and improve mental well-being. Incorporating even a small amount of physical activity into daily routines can have massive benefits, underscoring the importance of staying active for optimal health.

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