Findings from a new U.S. study suggest that some people may have been born to run, with a love of exercise developing as far back as in the womb.
In their study, published this week in The FASEB Journal, the team of researchers from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas discovered that female mice who exercised voluntarily during their pregnancy also had offspring that grew up to be more physically active as adults.
To carry out their research the team selected female mice who enjoyed running and split them into two groups, giving only one group access to running wheels before and during their pregnancy.
The mice who were given this access exercised throughout their pregnancy, and although the amount decreased as the pregnancy progressed, they were still running or walking around 3 kilometers a night even at the beginning of the third trimester.
Once the offspring were born, the team found that the those born to the exercising female mice were about 50 per cent more physically active than the mice born to females who didn't exercise, with this increased level of activity also continuing into later adulthood.
As both groups of mice loved running, but only one were able to do so during pregnancy, the results suggest that exercise during pregnancy influences the development of the fetus's brain, with the study's senior author Dr. Robert A. Waterland commenting that, "Although most people assume that an individual's tendency to be physically active is determined by genetics, our results clearly show that the environment can play an important role during fetal development."
And although the study used mice and not human participants, Dr. Waterland pointed out that "several human studies have reported results consistent with ours," with many observational studies also finding that women who are more active while pregnant also have children who tend to be more active.
"I think our results offer a very positive message," he added, "If expectant mothers know that exercise is not only good for them but also may offer lifelong benefits for their babies, I think they will be more motivated to get moving."
Many leading expert groups, such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, already recommend exercise for pregnant women, suggesting 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day for those without any pregnancy complications.
15 Gym Hacks For People Who Hate Exercise
Lunge between stations(01 of15)
Open Image ModalInstead of dragging your feet over to the next workout station, try lunging across the gym. It will keep your heart rate up without wearing you out and keep your muscles warm. (credit:Shutterstock / Charles Knox)
Put frozen berries in your water bottle(02 of15)
Open Image ModalIf your water bottle always ends up being unpleasantly lukewarm, put a handful of frozen berries in it. It will keep your water refreshingly cool as well as adding some flavour and a healthy sugar boost. (credit:shutterstock)
Don't watch the clock(03 of15)
Open Image ModalYou don’t have to stay hours to make the most of your workout, watching the clock will only make it seem like a chore. Don’t wear a watch and keep going until you feel you’ve come to a natural stop. (credit:Gary S Chapman)
Have a plan and stick to it for the first month(04 of15)
Open Image ModalGoing to the gym with no structure is never going to get you motivated. Most gyms offer a free session with an instructor to create the right work out for you for the time you have. Write down each set you want to do and take this with you when you workout. You’ll feel a great satisfaction ticking off each set as you go.
Don't take your phone(05 of15)
Open Image ModalExercising is a brilliant stress reliever; so don’t add to it by checking your work emails every five minutes. Phones are also a huge distraction so leave it in your locker; you can live without Twitter for an hour. (credit:Ammentorp Photography)
Mix it up(06 of15)
Open Image ModalIf you’re bored of your workout it’s time to make some changes. Try going to some classes or going for a swim. Ask a member of staff about a piece of equipment you haven’t used before and give it go. (credit:Getty Images/Vetta)
Don't just do cardio(07 of15)
Open Image ModalIt can be very tempting to jump straight on the treadmill, set it for 45 minutes and stay there for the duration. Whilst cardio is great, mixing it with weight training will maximise your workout to make you leaner, fitter and stronger. (credit:Getty Images)
Wear nice workout gear(08 of15)
Open Image ModalIf you go to the gym in an old baggy T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, you’re going to feel just as grotty. Treat yourself to some new gear and you’ll notice the difference, not only in your confidence, but also in your workout. Most decent workout gear is sweat-wicking so it will keep you fresh and cool. (credit:shutterstock)
Visit during off peak(09 of15)
Open Image ModalThe peak times for most gyms are around 8am before work and 5.30-7pm after work. Try and squeeze half an hour in during your lunch break, go later in the evening or on a Sunday. (credit:Hero Images)
Get a good playlist(10 of15)
Open Image ModalThe oldest trick in the book, but it really helps. Gym radio stations can get monotonous so create a playlist that really gets you moving. So you don’t get bored of the playlist, try making different ones for different stations. (credit:Getty Images)
Try and go with friends(11 of15)
Open Image ModalGet a close friend to come with you when you go to the gym and don’t flake on them. They’ll act as motivator and as well as helping with your workout. If you can talk to someone whilst running it will regulate your breath to make sure you’re not overexerting yourself. (credit:Getty Images)
Listen to an audiobook(12 of15)
Open Image ModalIf you’re not a fan of the top 40, download an addictive audiobook or podcast and only allow yourself to listen to it when you’re at the gym. (credit:AOL)
Always keep a gym bag packed(13 of15)
Open Image ModalEven if you’re not planning on working out, take a packed gym bag to work or leave one in your car. That way if the mood takes you, you don’t have to go home first and give yourself the option to decide against it.
Don't sit between sets(14 of15)
Open Image ModalIt’s common knowledge that standing burns a lot more calories than sitting down. It will also benefit you psychologically as it will let you focus on your work out instead of sitting down and allowing your mind to wander.
Make friends with the exercise ball(15 of15)
Open Image ModalIncorporating exercise balls into your workout is simple but extremely effective. Use them for crunches to improve your balance and raising and lowering one when squatting works your arms too. (credit:Alamy)