Most everyone understands that exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health — but sometimes you just don’t want to do it. The mind-body connection can help.

For a recent study, researchers at the University of Freiburg in Germany examined whether thinking positively about exercise could enhance its effect on well-being.

They invited 76 men and women ages 18 to 32 to their research laboratory, where they had to exercise for 30 minutes on a bicycle ergometer, which is a stationary handlebar device.

Beforehand, the test subjects were separated into different groups and shown one of several short films that either praised the positive effects of cycling on health or not.

In addition, the researchers asked the test subjects whether they had already believed in the positive effects of physical activity before beginning the study.

The participants filled out questionnaires asking them about their well-being and their mood before and after the exercise.

The researchers also measured the participants’ brain activity with an electroencephalogram (EEG).

Those who believed the physical activity would have positive effects before participating in the study enjoyed the exercise more, improved their mood more, and reduced their anxiety more than less optimistic test subjects.

So put the mind-body connection to work for better exercise.