The Feel Good Effect of Exercise
Have you ever noticed how good you feel after your workout - the buzz that it creates? Ever wondered why that is?
After a workout your body releases endorphins which are what gives you a natural “high‟ (sometimes referred to as “runners high‟).
Endorphins (a hormone like substance) is naturally produced and released through the body by the pituitary gland (a gland at the base of the skull) and then distributes it throughout the nervous system.
Exercise helps to trigger the release. During exercise the stress hormone cortisol is decreased and the production of endorphins is increased.
The higher the intensity of the workout, the greater the rush of endorphins. The body is in a higher state of physical stress and this is why some people can push through the pain barrier during physical exertion. That’s right – endorphins can actually numb the pain! Exercise also releases adrenaline, serotonin and dopamine, these chemicals all work together to make you feel good.
Even if hard training isn’t for you, physical exercise at a much lower intensity has many benefits, such as improvements in mental health and overall wellbeing. Exercise has also shown to be beneficial to those suffering mild depression.
There is no “one-size-fits-all‟ method of exercise or duration; it’s just a matter of doing something you enjoy and can do on a consistent basis. Every time you exercise you release those feel good hormones and the pay off will be a sharper, more alert mind at work (maybe leading to a promotion!), less stress, a positive attitude, more rational food choices and overall more energy throughout the day.
Source: Matthew Chaplin, Principal Trainer – Donna Aston Toorak
