Key points

Exercise is harder for some people than others.

Genes may make exercise more difficult.

Thoughts can influence feelings and physiological response to exercise.

Does it seem like you have to struggle to be active while exercise is easier for other people? Do you wonder how some people seem to enjoy it while you dread exercising? There’s some evidence that genes may influence your body’s responses to exercise so it’s possible that you’re genetically predisposed to being uncomfortable exercising.

A University of Colorado study found individuals who had equivalent bouts of aerobic exercise had vastly different subjective feelings about their exercise. The exercisers’ feelings weren’t just a result of their attitudes; they might have been influenced by their genetic makeup. The

See Full Page