Many want to exercise but just can’t get off the couch. A new study may just be the answer for this group of people.

Researchers found a small spot on the brains of mice that control their desire to exercise. The dorsal medial habenula is similar in humans and its basic function is mood regulation and motivation.

“The brain pathways responsible for exercise motivation have not been well understood,” said principal investigator Dr. Eric Turner. “Now, we can seek ways to manipulate activity within this specific area of the brain without impacting the rest of the brain’s activity.”

In one part of the study mice could choose to activate the dorsal medial haenula (scientist were able to block it) by turning a wheel with their paw. The mice strongly preferred this option.

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