# How to train your brain to embrace exercise and stick to a fitness routine

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/how-to-train-your-brain-to-embrace-exercise-and-stick-to-a-fitness-routine/
- Published: 2026-11-14T22:58:54+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-15T12:11:37+00:00
- Original publisher: CNA (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/wellness/fitness-mindset-how-train-brain-6542011
- Topics: Fitness, Health, World

## Key points

- A positive view of exercise may help people stick with it.
- Understated step counts were linked to poorer wellbeing.
- Social support and simple routines can encourage activity.

## Summary

Psychologists say how people think about exercise can influence whether they keep it up: seeing movement as enjoyable or welcome may make it easier to attend sessions than focusing only on health recommendations. The research suggests that feeling capable and identifying as an active person can also support other healthy behaviours.

A 2021 study found that people encouraged to focus on fun, relaxation and social connection were less likely to skip exercise classes. In a 2023 study of 162 moderately active adults, participants whose trackers understated their steps by 40 per cent reported worse self-esteem and mental health, and showed poorer health measures and diet after five weeks; those given accurate or inflated counts reported or showed improvements. Experts suggest building an exercise identity through active friends or groups and making activity easier to start, for example by laying out workout clothes in advance.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.