Endorphins

People often tell me how much better they feel after they have finished a particularly hard session of training, be it a weights session or perhaps a solid 30-40 min bike ride. Either way people will often relate the post exercise experience to 'being on a high' or 'just being in a better mood’.

Quite often this 'high' or 'improvement in mood' can be attributed to the release of a neurohormone call Endorphin. (The word "endorphin" is a combination of "endo" meaning made in the body and "morphine) hmmm.. morphine.

Discovered in 1975, endorphins are neurotransmitters that reduce pain and anxiety, enhance the immune system and retard the aging process

Endorphins are the body's natural pain reliever and are released by the pituitary gland during times of pain or stress.

Stress... like a moderate to high intensity workout at 60 to 80 percent maximum seems to produce the best results.

So the next time you're in a nasty mood or are just feeling a little blue, don't head for the fridge or the wine cellar. Go grab your running shoes, bike or if you need to , give your trainer a ring. You will feel much better both mentally and chemically for having done so.