Explaining Runner’s High at He's Fit

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Explaining Runner’s High

Posted September 23, 2007 at 02:00 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: In The News, His Health, Mental Health, Physical Health

runner sunset Ever feel unusually cheerful after hitting the gym or increasingly confident after finishing up laps at the track? You’re not alone. This state of happiness after exercise is known as “runner’s high,” and has been a point of interest for researchers and athletes for years.The question is, what exactly causes runner’s high? Turns out, it’s all about endorphins.

Quite simply, endorphins are hormones that your body manufactures during exercise that are found mainly in the pituitary gland and nervous system. The interesting thing about endorphins is that they are renowned for having morphine-like qualities. In other words, they act like naturally-produced painkillers and sedatives. And, as exercise is a form of stress on the body, by participating in physical activity you are helping to release surges of endorphins. But such a release does more than soothe the aches you may experience while working out. It is the release of these “painkillers” that scientists claim is the link between exercise and elevated moods. Essentially, the more endorphins your body produces, the happier you’ll be.

But not all types of exercise lead to blissful side effects. As reported by HealthCentral.com, researchers have found that it is moderate-intensity workouts lasting approximately 30 minutes that cause the most significant increase of blood endorphins, followed closely by long, low-intensity activities. Men’s Fitness also suggests running in a pleasurable setting. It may sound irrelevant, but happiness breeds more endorphins. Consequently, the more peaceful and content you feel while you workout, the better chance you have of scoring feelings of euphoria afterwards. More tips: go longer and harder. Greater physical demands help cause surges of endorphins, therefore try interspersing long runs and high intensity sprints into your workout regime to reap positive benefits. The only type of exercise that isn’t a strong producer of happiness seems to be short, high-intensity workouts.

So the next time you’re feeling down, don’t fret. Just head towards the gym and take comfort in the fact that you’ll be feeling better in no time.

Research sources and for more information: [Men’s Fitness], [HealthCentral.com], [Findarticles.com], [MedicineNet.com]