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Humans are not designed to exercise 

It’s a hard truth: humans are not designed to exercise. At least, not in the way we think of exercise today—going to the gym, running laps, or following a fitness program just for the sake of movement. If you’ve ever struggled with the motivation to exercise, you’re not alone. In fact, you’re perfectly normal.  

Dr. Daniel Lieberman, author of Exercised: Why Something We Never Evolved to Do Is Healthy and Rewarding, explains that humans didn’t evolve to exercise. Instead, we evolved to move with purpose.  Our ancestors moved because they had to—hunting, gathering, building shelter, and escaping predators. Rest was crucial to conserve energy for the next essential task, and doing unnecessary physical work would have been wasteful and even dangerous in an environment where food was scarce.  

Today, life looks very different. Food is abundant, physical labor has been replaced by machines, and many of us sit for hours every day. But our bodies still need movement to stay healthy. The problem? Without survival-driven reasons to move, our biology urges us to rest. As Lieberman puts it, “If you avoid exercise, you’re normal.”  

Why exercising feels unnatural

The mismatch between our biology and modern life creates a challenge: we’re wired to avoid unnecessary effort, yet our health depends on regular movement. Exercise, as we know it today, is a modern invention—a solution to the lack of physical activity in our daily lives.  

But the human brain doesn’t see exercise as essential. Dr. Lieberman emphasizes that physical activity was always tied to a purpose in the past: chasing prey, foraging for food, or carrying water. The idea of moving for the sake of health or fitness is a concept that feels artificial to our ancient instincts.  

That’s why exercising for its own sake often feels like a chore. It goes against our natural programming to avoid exertion unless it’s necessary.  

How to make exercise a habit (and maybe even enjoy it)  

The good news? By understanding our biology and working with it, we can make exercise not only a habit but something we actually enjoy. Here’s how:

1. Find purpose in movement.

Dr. Lieberman argues that purpose-driven activity feels more rewarding. Tie your exercise to something meaningful—improving your strength for a hobby, staying healthy for your family, or spending time outdoors. Giving movement a reason helps us overcome our natural resistance.  

2. Choose activities you enjoy.

Humans evolved to enjoy certain types of movement, like walking, dancing, or playing games. If you hate running, don’t force yourself to do it. Experiment until you find an activity that feels good for your body and mind.  

3. Start small. 

Our ancestors didn’t run marathons—they moved in short, manageable bursts throughout the day. A 10-minute walk or a few squats can create the foundation for a habit. Build gradually, and don’t overwhelm yourself with unrealistic expectations.  

4. Build movement into your life.  

Dr. Lieberman suggests that our ancestors’ physical activity was part of their daily routine. Mimic this by integrating movement into your day: walk to the store, take the stairs, or stretch while watching TV.

5. Make it social.

Humans are social creatures. Exercising with others can make the experience more enjoyable and help you stay consistent. Whether it’s a group class, a workout buddy, or a community sport, shared movement adds purpose and connection.

How CrossFit Kreis 9 bridges the gap  

At CrossFit Kreis 9, we understand that humans aren’t naturally made to exercise for exercise’s sake. That’s why we’ve designed an environment where movement feels purposeful, rewarding, and—most importantly—fun.  

Our coaching-centered approach focuses on guiding you to move with intention. Whether your goal is to build strength, improve your fitness, or simply feel better in your body, every workout is tailored to help you achieve something tangible. You’re not just “working out”—you’re progressing toward a goal, one step at a time.  

We also believe in the power of community. Humans are social beings, and that’s why exercising alongside others can be so impactful. At CrossFit Kreis 9, you’ll find a supportive and inclusive group of people who make movement feel less like a chore and more like a shared experience.  

We know how hard it can be to override our instincts to rest. That’s why our coaching team is here to guide, encourage, and inspire you to move in ways that feel natural and empowering. We create an environment where movement becomes a habit—not because you have to, but because you genuinely want to.  

Thriving in a modern world

Acknowledging that humans aren’t naturally inclined to exercise for its own sake is liberating. As Dr. Lieberman points out in Exercised, the struggle to feel motivated isn’t a personal failing—it’s part of being human. The key is not to fight our biology but to create an environment where movement feels natural and rewarding.  

At CrossFit Kreis 9, we bridge the gap between what our bodies need and what feels natural by making exercise purposeful, enjoyable, and social. Exercise doesn’t have to feel like a chore—it can be the highlight of your day.  

So, if you’re ready to embrace movement in a way that works for you, come join us. Together, we’ll make exercise not just something you do, but something you look forward to.  After all, while we may not be made to exercise, thriving in today’s world begins with choosing to move, we’ll be with you every step of the way.

  • Saara

About the coach:

Saara

Meet Saara, a master athlete and a multifaceted professional with an impressive array of qualifications. With a commitment to promoting sustainable fitness and health, Saara balances her role as a business owner, business mentor and mother of three, emphasizing the adaptable and enduring nature of CrossFit training that aligns with her life’s demands and aspirations.

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