Notes and quotes: Biological basis for motivating you to exercise

There are days when I really don’t feel like Nordic walking. However, an article explaining a biological source of motivation helps me rethink managing motivation.

Main point: “…certain muscle proteins activated during exercise can increase the desire to stay active.”

More about it:

• “Muscle proteins p38γ and p38α regulate the desire for physical activity through signaling to the brain…activated in muscles that were exercised with an increasing intensity.” 
• “IL-15 protein, induced by p38γ, enhances spontaneous physical activity by acting on the motor cortex.” Researchers believe this protein is a marker for the desire to exercise. It’s lower in obese people.
• “Regular exercise boosts p38γ activity, especially in obese individuals, improving metabolism and reducing fat accumulation.” Perhaps these proteins create a virtuous circle – generating the IL-15 protein, which creates a greater desire to exercise.

Why it matters:

• “…muscle itself regulates interest in exercise through a signaling pathway between muscle and brain.”
• “…when we exercise, we experience the impulse to train even more.”
• Exercise can, therefore, create a virtuous circle. After a good session, you want to exercise again. 
• Nordic walking is particularly useful in generating that motivation because of the added feature of being outdoors or with other people.

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