Today’s episode will change the way you feel about exercise – and yourself. Do you ever feel guilty for taking the lift instead of the stairs? For swapping that workout for a lie in, or for having zero desire to run a marathon? If so, my guest has some reassuring words on why an aversion to exercise is completely natural. And some valuable advice on how we can overcome that to reap the multiple health benefits. 

Dr Daniel Lieberman is a paleoanthropologist and Professor of Human Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University. He has studied evolution and researched cultures all over the globe, to explain the science of how and why we move today. Whether you struggle to exercise or you’re a committed fitness fan, I think you’ll find his new perspectives on physical activity absolutely fascinating. 

Among the many topics we cover in this conversation, Daniel addresses the following questions: 

• Can exercise really help you lose weight?
• Does running ruin your knees?
• Should we be running barefoot?
• Is sitting the new smoking?
• Do you need eight hours’ sleep a night? 
• Should activity levels decline with age?

I think some of his answers might really surprise you. I hope this conversation helps you feel better about the role of exercise in your life and have more compassion for yourself. I think it might just inspire you to move more, too. 

Disclaimer: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.*

Click here for more information on our sponsor athleticgreens.com/livemore

Find out more about our sponsor vivobarefoot.com/livemore

Find out about our sponsor blublox.com/livemore

Watch the video version of this interview – click below.

Connect with Daniel

Website   

Daniel’s books

Exercised:  The Science of Physical Activity, Rest and Health^†

The Story of the Human Body: Evolution, Health and Disease^†

Further Reading

• The Times – Lie back and Take it Easy – Daniel Lieberman author of Exercised , on why we are born to be lazy
• The Guardian – Exercised by Daniel Lieberman review
• Runners World – Daniel Lieberman, 10 Years After “Born to Run”
• New Statesman – The barefoot professor: Daniel Lieberman on why humans are born to run   
• Nature – Endurance running and the evolution of Homo  

Related Feel Better Live More podcasts:

• #79 – How Running Can Transform Your Life with Sanjay Rawal
• #109 Discover the Joy of Movement with Dr Kelly McGonigal

Dr Chatterjee’s resources:

• Feel Great Lose Weight is available to pre-order now! Click here for the UK version^† and click here for the US & Canadian version^†
• Dr Chatterjee’s book Feel Better in 5 is out now. Click here for the UK version^† and click here for the US & Canadian version^†
• Order Dr Chatterjee’s book The Stress Solution^†
• Find Dr Chatterjee’s 4 Pillars of Health in The 4 Pillar Plan^†
• Available in the US & Canada with the title How to Make Disease Disappear^†
• Click here for Dr Chatterjee’s YouTube channel
• Join the Dr Chatterjee 4 Pillar Community Tribe Facebook page

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*DISCLAIMER: Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

†Disclosure: All books marked with a † are hyperlinked to an affiliate program. We take part in Amazon’s affiliate advertising program designed to provide a way for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon’s website. You are not charged any extra by using these links to purchase books.