The Exercise Happiness Paradox | Chris Wharton | TEDxSevenoaks

How can you manipulate your brain to achieve greater levels of happiness? Can you be so inspired that your daily exercises bring you joy and increase your self-esteem?
By practicing the four key strategies given in this TEDx talk, we can all achieve greater levels of energy, mood and overall health along with positive long-term changes in our physiques.
Chris is the creator of the Exercise Happiness Paradox and one of the world’s leading health and fitness entrepreneurs. His strategies on how to live a happier and healthier life have helped tens of thousands of clients achieve life changing results over the past 15 years. His practical, no nonsense approach to fitness and fat loss has appeared in Men's Health, Women's Health, BBC News, Sky and dozens of other national publications.
Connect with Chris Wharton on Instagram @chriswharton1
#health #fitness #WeightLoss
This talk was given at TEDxSevenoaks with the theme ‘Come together’ using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Credits:
Editor: David Sztypuljak
Production crew : RGJones
About TEDx: In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized
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Chris is one of the UK's most experienced health and well being experts with over 15 years in the industry as a Personal Trainer, Gym Owner and Author. His practical, no nonsense approach to fitness and fat loss has appeared in Men's Health, Women's Health, BBC News, Sky and dozens of other national publications. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@mavrabari8916]

"Focus on how exercise makes you feel, not look" - so wise and perspective shifting!

[@JennWatson]

63 year old formally obese and sedentary grandma here who wanted to remain mobile and independent and hopefully without disease in my golden years so I started walking just over a year ago and never stopped- at first it was only 5 minutes for months and then momentum came to my fitness party and took over and for last 4 months I've walked 53 miles a month! I would have never believed it was possible but I've never been healthier or fitter! I weaned off sugar and ultra processed foods and eat my food at home omad style! I'm almost 100 lbs down! My mind is bright and curious & it's a great time to be alive! Thank you for this TedTalk- Excellent production! Take care of yourselves people ❤

[@jules9669]

So happy for you Jenn! 💜

[@lexis.2006]

I loved this video so much. I'm a teenager that has struggled with body image since I was a child. I could never seem to enjoy working out, even when I made it less intense for myself. I'd always seem to quit. Wharton has inspired me to let go of my physical body goals and focus on the way exercise makes me feel. Do the workouts that make me feel good about myself and be happy. I'll be returning to this video frequently. This was really motivating.

[@jackmcguire7871]

I have lost two things in life: a lot of money, and a lot of gym sessions. And i feel more regret about the latter .. because the happiness i used to get with exercise is far more significant than what i got with money.

[@koravilla3089]

To everyone who rolls their eyes when I say I'm off to exercise: I don't just do it to stay fit and healthy (although sure, that's a lil part) I do it cause it keeps me sane.

[@nubiaalvarado7308]

❤️

[@johncronje1555]

Agreed

[@harshaarun8383]

Understandable and agreed fact by most men nowadays

[@maymiller3639]

It's the same for me❤️

[@daisyjaefit]

So do I

[@meteoradavid]

Exercising is a life style, the best cheapest medication available

[@chriswharton2230]

Couldn't agree more

[@sleepsmartsmashstress8705]

the best cheapest medication

[@robinmeekins1400]

100% Thx for this video so much 🙏

[@petersaske1114]

Its not cheapest its free❤❤

[@Imran-qz3xm]

💯

[@paulespinoza1994]

He is absolutely correct, I restarted my exercise program two years ago. The big difference is this time like he just stated my goal was yes to lose weight aka the pot belly , get healthy and stay that way, I threw away the scale and started. Now in the present my life has totally changed yes I lost 40 pounds with roughly another 20 to hit my target weight. I am stronger, toned up and built muscle which is not easy at 56. The greatest by product is my mental state I am happy and can deal with difficult situations much better and have a ton of energy. It’s hard work but it’s worth it of course I changed my diet and eat cleaner and take the right supplements to assist unfortunately a lot of our foods fall short in giving us all the minerals are bodies need. I still enjoy pizza, ice cream and chocolate the only difference I use as a reward it’s not my primary diet now. I have a real story that sums it up the best and perhaps it might inspire other people. A few months back in the winter I took my 3yr old grandson to an indoor playground. It had all the equipment that kids at that age love to do, He loved it but guess what I played with him for an hour and a half and I mean that literally if he was climbing, jumping and running I was right behind him at my age it was challenging. I couldn’t have been happier and I sweated naturally but I had plenty of energy and him telling me “come on Pa Pa let’s play warmed my heart and gave me a joy I haven’t experienced since I was a young lad! My daughter couldn’t believe I played with him the whole time. Talk about motivation that encouraged me even more and trust me I have step up workout routine to an advanced level. Plus I also work as a second job in the landscape industry (my own operation) and it is physically challenging so it helps me maintain my endurance after an 8 hour shift starting at 5:00am. If I can do it so can anyone else that is a fact.

[@alaskahudson]

Beautiful story. Thank you.

[@FoodShowFan]

Amazing!! Thank you for sharing!

[@stacyjennings543]

Great Talk, I started exercising again 2 years and 9 months ago , and it is true what he said I am 56 yrs old now too , all the more important to exercise now , I dont lose weight with it , but it does wonders for my blood pressure, and my ability to climb stairs with things to carry.

[@AnkitShome]

One of the most important TED talks that many need to watch. Thank you Mr. Wharton for such a practical perspective on the issue.

[@tr1ckster726]

That was sooooo good. I have made exercise a critical part of my life and I notice that the days I don’t do it, I start ruminating or I start going back down the path of self sabotage and negative thinking. It truly is the worlds greatest medicine.

[@blainemogil2254]

Thanks very much for a timely and perhaps timely talk. My students have been dragged en masse into the perfection pool. They focus on on-line feedback from people they've never met, rather than focusing on changing their lifestyles and diets to become their best selves. The confidence that builds from their developing into their best selves is often immeasurable.

[@Squirrel-zq6oe]

I looked up "The gym paradox" to try to find a video talking about the problem that you want to have the will to actually go to the gym, but going to the gym makes you have more will.

[@RJones-tn5vg]

The non negotiable piece is where I struggle the most. It's important though and you're absolutely right about it.

[@amyevans7405]

I always ask myself - why can I make time to be sick, to go to physical therapy, to go to doctor's appointments - but I can't make time to stay healthy?

[@leahsmith2078]

At the beginning I thought this was just a talk about exercise being good for your brain, but he made some good points I hadn’t considered.

[@tomtheocharides6204]

Wow, great reminder - NO ONE (who truly cares about you), cares about how you look, abs, thighs, biceps - rather they care that you are healthy, confident, and present with them! Here are the four points to get the miracle benefits of exercise without the toxic side effects: 1. we have to stop being so hard on ourselves 1. Social comparison leads to some really toxic self-talk 2. Gratitude for what you have, not for what you lack 3. Gratitude journal 2. find something you enjoy and do more of it 3. measure performance and not your weight 4. most importantly, make this time non-negotiable 1. Take 20-30 minutes daily as YOU time

[@maryleialcantara6491]

I cried as I watched the talk. This is sooo inspiring!

[@justinspykerman]

Its true, I jogged and pushed myself so hard once that when I was done I was throwing up but right after I felt amazing, like a brand new person out the box. I love that feeling!

[@chriswharton2230]

hahaha, yes Justin!

[@raymiller1942]

This is amazing. If we woke up listening to this every day, there would be soo many mental transformations. Mindset 💪🦁

[@kulbirrekhi1332]

Beautiful. I completely garee with him and have been trying to follow the same principles for quite some time now. Social media sucks. I don't have any social media account...period. If I get up in the middle of night and am feeling stressed or low I go for a jog walk. Come back feeling very good👍

[@kavithajagdish7968]

Such an honest, straight from the heart talk... What so many people need to hear today. Thank you !

[@shariqkadri2437]

Great wisdom, great presentation, and much more than that how great human being you are. Thanks for the talk Chris.

[@JF238xLearning]

Having good health is more valuable than most people think. Maintaining good health is one of keys to achieving greatness!

[@schmoborama]

Best TEDx ever. He backs up everything he says plus what others say - and perfectly presented

[@spendleton360]

I like his positivity, however, I disagree with his overall message. I'm 5'9", and I was able to run a marathon weighing 240 lbs. I would have fit his narrative perfectly. However, now that I've lost weight (I'm now down to 190 and still improving), I've realized that the number on the scale truly does matter. Being lighter feels amazing. I'm not even close to being in marathon shape anymore, and yet I feel ten times better. I'm breathing easier, my back and joints feel better, and yes, being proud of the person I see in the mirror adds to that overall happiness.

[@crypton_8l87]

Yes. Never mind he looks perfectly lean and healthy. "Politically correct" exerts a ridiculous level of control over people these days.

[@spendleton360]

@@crypton_8l87 I agree 100%

[@ClareBear_IOM]

This is just the video I needed to watch today. So honest and motivating and life is so short so spend the time you have doing things that make you happy 😃 thank you Chris!

[@chaugg1]

I love what he talks about. Very inspiring. Thanks.

[@supernaturedesign]

totally agreed!! be kind to ourselves and enjoy life more!!!

[@ashleighbarns685]

What a fantastic talk. Even brought a heart warming tear to my eyes. Thank you for the wise words ☺️

[@magiov1]

Me too

[@user-ns5ik8ei5s]

That you are not sick. You are strong, confident, full of energy, and present.

[@monicatijerina4737]

Wow. Very honest, blunt but straight from the heart. This is whatever needs to hear!!

[@thestrikerfalcon277]

It's true. I exercise because it makes me feel good. I don't even know how much I weigh. I don't even own any weighing scales, nor will I ever.

[@jarredferguson1350]

This is probably the best TED Talks video I’ve seen.

[@texasguest]

Thank you for such a powerful message. I'm going thru that shift of paradigm right now and it's so liberating

[@sandyedwards2681]

Yes. Bodies come in all shapes and sizes. And all deserve happiness.

[@02chevyguy]

I'm blown away by this. So much truth!

[@w1ndex]

I have been trying to get into a shape other than round recently because I'm not getting any younger and I want to feel better. This talk has helped me tremendously, I have had a problem for a long time not being happy with my looks, but it really doesn't matter what I look like if I don't get healthier.

[@forouzanvahdat5234]

The greatest talk I've ever listened to. So touching and so inspiring. Made me so emotional while listening. Thank YOU.

[@beth3471]

Well put, sincere, truthful, insightful and very very kind. I loved this. Thank you

[@stutisingh8271]

Love this talk, Chris!! You have a way of bringing balance and good sense to a topic that’s often been a difficult one for many people. You invite us in with your humour, modesty and plain and simple good advice! Loved it! Congratulations!!

[@chriswharton2230]

Thank you Stuti. Very kind and much appreciated x

[@nje2409]

Without a doubt, the best message people can hear!!! Love this video!! Thank you.

[@lisasawyer2303]

This is so important. I love his passion, great talk!!!

[@zoeydeu2261]

Thanks for this amazing talk! My partner has body dysmorphic disorder, so this video is highly regarded and helpful to us

[@cho6099]

what an eye-opening speech. throw your scale but still exercise regularly!

[@msw8227]

One of the best TED Talks I’ve ever watched 🔥

[@cinnalouwinna]

Truly the best talk on exercise and weight loss I’ve ever seen!

[@simonhancock5957]

Fantastic speech, really resonated when you talked about exercise for the way you feel, not the way you look

[@juanc.fortunofas9224]

Mr. Wharton nails this presentation about exercising for the right reasons. I have exercised consistently for 46 of my 53 years, and I can’t think of a better (and more balanced) argument for regular exercise. Well done…

[@ironhalo696]

Brilliant talk, increasing more relevant as social media invades our cultures. Absolutely everyone should watch this.

[@JJ_bros]

It's probably the best TED talk I've ever heard!! Thank you.

[@wonderlandrious6116]

That was amazing. And he was completely right that the people we care about don't care what we look like. I have friends that go to the gym and 99% of the time, I don't think about their bodies, I think about how happy I feel with them, and the laughter and childish grin I get when I'm with them. The other 1% I would think about their body is if A) they are at the gym working out B)We might be in a pool or doing some activity that requires minimal clothes (get your mind out the gutter😆) or C) when I'm exercising and they pop in my head, as well as D) when their clothes are too small/hugs their figure.

[@timjoseph887]

Why is this revolutionary ? Everyone knows they should exercise to improve life.

[@stuartw8858]

Absolutely superb talk. If only more individuals/industries promoted this message instead of the counterproductive agendas that they do. Loved it mate. 👍🏻

[@chriswharton2230]

thanks mate. Appreciated!

[@kevinwilson3337]

Sorry to burst your bubble but DIET IS THE BEST EXERCISE.

[@davewarfel1]

@@kevinwilson3337 Diet is incredibly important, and it's a miracle medicine of its own, but it is completely separate. If you don't move your body, you can eat as healthy as you want, you'll be missing out on incredible health & happiness benefits.

[@robinluich6626]

@@kevinwilson3337 For weight loss not happiness. A body without carbs makes for happiness

[@antonyhylton]

I love this message Chris. Thank you!!!

[@raewynannbenten1385]

What a great talk, I couldn’t agree more. I exercise for heart health, improving my balance, bone density maintenance, brain clarity (and hopefully staving off dementia in old age) and lastly for mood enhancement and those mental feel good benefits. Weight loss or weight maintenance is due 95% to practising sensible dietary balance, the evidence for that is beyond doubt. I like to exercise for all the other wonderful benefits it confers on my feelings of well being. Our bodies are extraordinary biological machines, that like all machinery needs regular maintenance to keep it working well. I hope the cultural narrative shifts, and we begin to increasingly appreciate the amazing functionality of what our bodies actually do, day in and day out, and focus less on some artificially constructed ideal of how they should look.

[@user-uj8nu6gw3b]

0

[@craigminchin941]

Wisdom and kindness all wrapped in one. Great talk!

[@yankee2666]

There’s a great little book on natural healing written by an older man who cured himself of a number of maladies without medical intervention, called My Physician, Myself. I read it a couple of years ago but lost my copy. I’m going to Amazon right now to order one and be more careful with it. It’s more than worth the read. You might look into the work of Luigi Cornaro, a Venetian nobleman who lived to be 102.

[@colinbooth1265]

Extremely wise speaker and inspired me all the way through. Thank you!

[@tracyenglish5470]

I am so grateful to this awesome man!

[@sukeshsalian]

Loved the talk. Thanks for sharing this message Chris.

[@rickyspiers6497]

Great reminder to why exercise is so good for us but not just for trying to look good!

[@chriswharton2230]

Thank you Ricky, appreciated!

[@saminajawwad7694]

This is one of the best ted talk on excercise and the best video on excercise,self awareness and life. Thankyou

[@chantalviljoen4686]

This truly was an eye opener for me!! Thank you for a superb talk and useful tips!

[@shivavishnu1729]

All these years i thought six abs is the holy grail to happiness... but after all these years watching many videos on fitness...never found happiness until utube recomended this video.... 😊

[@showmustgoon4167]

I started exercising DAILY 2 years ago, morning and evening, weekends off. It works wonders! Now I increase the amount of the daily exercise and it's REVOLUTIONARY! My new lifestyle! My new identity! Enjoy

[@natashaparry4468]

Loved this talk - changing our view, changes the inner conversation

[@YulianaBautista-fd1te]

Exercising is not only to look good but for your body to feel good and be healthy. An hour of working out is 3 more hours you’re adding to your life

[@socialfireworks]

Thought-provoking, honest and a breath of fresh air for your industry. Well done!

[@chriswharton2230]

🙏🙏🙏 yes Kizzie x

[@rharvey1110]

Brilliant. Truth. Genius.

[@raymoe76]

This is a profound presentation that every person should see. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@christopherfournier5499]

Thanks Chris! I needed to watch this today. You rock man! Keep well my friend.

[@Sylar-451]

Brilliant talk ❤❤ the world would be a better place with more people like you

[@aaqibminhas8838]

He is right,I experienced many times when I tense then did exercise,I forgot my tension

[@wellbodisalone]

Exercising comes with many benefits. It's always good to find a routine that best fits with your schedule and needs.

[@deckychristriono83]

So true. Exercise should be fun for ourselves and we gain the benefit for ourselves. Not to please other people. I exercise because I want to grow old but still can do daily activities myself, can play with my future grandchildren without any physical constraints.

[@AmaSharapova]

Such an amazing message! I hope this talk goes viral! And I hope more people become happier! Wish I knew all this when I was younger)

[@angelsgomez2287]

I loved this very down-to-earth talk from a Fitness professional touching many current touch points. Everyone should hear this :)

[@pauldill8368]

There’s a lot of wisdom in this short talk.

[@alexsmith1645]

Powerful and inspiring. Truths very hard to follow with the wrong mindset. With the right mindset (which may require replaying this many times), these wise words will certainly lead to a longer more fulfilling life. Hats off to you Sir!

[@johningrassia5654]

Great speech. A message which really makes sense followed with very sensible advice. Well done Chris.

[@chriswharton2230]

Cheers John!

[@britneysoriano2563]

I really enjoy the talk, and gave me some motivation to exercise and get better, is very important as he said to be fitness. Hopefully more persons see this videos so they can get the same motivation as me and others 💗

[@adamhanafi7039]

This was a fantastic talk. Everybody knows (or is) someone who's caught in this perpetual cycle of self-inflicted misery. A truly insightful, honest and important message.

[@MandyEpprecht]

Like me! Great talk... I'm keeping it on my favorites so I can hear it over and over again

[@sandiemack8128]

This is spot-on! Thank you!

[@portchyy]

Excellent speech, really refreshing take on exercise that everyone could take a lot from 👏🏽

[@chriswharton2230]

Thanks Ollie. Appreciated x

[@MySiamesedreams]

This is my favorite talk ever ❤. Thank you

[@dejentilaye260]

Thank you

[@nanettealegado6190]

Beautiful message. Exercise is good for the brain and mood.

[@adityachatterjee8839]

Wonderful video, tackles pretty much all the ailments of our generation 🙌🏾

[@chriswharton2230]

Much appreciated Aditya 🙏

[@MLoms]

Thank you!

[@sleepsmartsmashstress8705]

love his passion, great talk!!!

[@venusscorpio5919]

This video made me cry! To god be the glory

[@mayyang8350]

I love his message!

[@kelly-ux8zy]

Thank u for show that photo comparison -it was such an eye opener!

[@anjamicic]

Absolutely Incredible

[@chriswharton2230]

🙏🙏🙏 thank you Anja!

[@TaitLuste-BriarwoodPS]

A video to watch regularly- as a “reset “ or “pick me up “

[@joetesmer9071]

Great Ted Talk! Running changed my life soooooo much for the better cant live without it now!

[@Blackviper74000]

Thank you, really thank you

[@vivienne8508]

Thank you🤗

[@jpauldion]

Simple and useful advice but SO powerful!

[@sophieking-hill3324]

Such a valuable message for all of us.

[@chriswharton2230]

Thanks Soph x

[@FeralGuns]

Really enjoyed this and it distilled so much that I know but ignore into a compelling talk. Thank you Chris.