Alternative Quote by George A. Sheehan
“Exercise is done against one's wishes and maintained only because the alternative is worse.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Running & Being, George A. Sheehan, 1977
People often exercise because the pain of inactivity feels worse than the effort of activity.
In simple terms: Exercise is motivated by avoiding a worse alternative.
Choose activity to avoid a worse outcome.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- weight management
- mental health
- preventing disease
- building stamina
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What would make exercise a positive choice rather than a negative avoidance?
- How can you reframe exercise as rewarding?
If motivation is only avoidance, long‑term adherence may falter.