London - It is the perfect excuse to forget the gym trip and put your feet up.
Scientists say that we are wired to save energy – adapting movements to make them as streamlined as possible. In other words, we are born lazy.
The Canadian study looked at the dynamics of walking, but researchers said the idea probably applies to other types of exercise.
A team spokesperson said: “Those who spend hours at the gym with the aim of burning as many calories as possible may be disappointed to learn that your nervous system is subconsciously working against you.”
Scientists from Vancouver’s Simon Fraser University fitted adults with equipment to make walking deliberately more difficult.
Within minutes, the men and women had changed their gait to path of least resistance – despite having established their own particular walking style over decades, the team told journal Current Biology.
Researcher Max Donelan said: “The nervous system monitors energy use and continuously re-optimises movement patterns in a constant quest to move as cheaply as possible.”
His colleague Jessica Selinger added that it was “bad news” for those who opt for an extra helping of dessert in the belief that they will quickly work off the calories.
However,, on the plus side the scientists said: “Optimising energy use that quickly is impressive. You have to be smart to be that lazy.”
Daily Mail