This is why you are a couch potato: Laziness explained by science

Exercise, like sex and eating, causes pleasure. Yet some of us are less likely to do it, this video shows why

Published May 23, 2014 8:00PM (EDT)

  (Shutterstock/Dave Clark Digital Photo)
(Shutterstock/Dave Clark Digital Photo)

Have you ever wondered why it is so darn difficult to pry yourself off the couch and exercise? Well you may be able to blame it on mom and dad. According to the guys at AsapSCIENCE, scientists who studied the exercise patterns of mice may have identified a "couch potato" gene. This is a mutated gene that affects a type of dopamine receptor. According to Psychology Today:

"Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control the brain's reward and pleasure centers. Dopamine also helps regulate movement and emotional responses, and it enables us not only to see rewards, but to take action to move toward them."

Less ability to derive pleasure from exercise, less motivation to get up and move. Watch the video below to learn more:

h/t AsapSCIENCE


By Sarah Gray

Sarah Gray is an assistant editor at Salon, focusing on innovation. Follow @sarahhhgray or email sgray@salon.com.

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Asapscience Couch Potato Exercise Health Laziness Science Video