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Some people hate it. Others just can't get enough. But if you're of the former persuasion, there could be a pill on the horizon that might help, say scientists.
Biologists at the University of California claim an individual's activity level could be largely inherited. So, for instance, if you come from a family where exercise is an important part of daily life, it's likely you too will be highly active and unable to sit still for very long.
If, on the other hand, you come from a long line of couch potatoes, chances are that monthly gym fee you signed up for in a moment of weakness has been a shocking waste of your disposable income.
Activity gene discovery
The Californian scientists discovered they could breed mice to be highly active, and that the offspring of those mice were also energetic. In other words, they believe they have discovered specific genes that promote activity.
The implications for humans, say the researchers, is that at some point in the future people who aren't too keen on getting off their butts might be able to take a drug that works on the activity genes. The result could be that those who prefer to watch the most dismal EastEnders reruns to going on a five-mile jog might suddenly find exercise far more attractive, which inevitably means they would become more active.
The activity pill could, however, be many years away. But if there was such a pill, would you take it?
Meanwhile, what's your best motivation tip to encourage those who clearly don't have the activity gene?