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Chasing The Runner’s High: Exercise and Endorphins
Blog | February 19, 2014
Often after an intense workout some of us feel a sudden sense of joy, a rush that’s hard to explain to people who don’t regularly exercise. Our blood is pumping, we’re breathing hard, but we can’t help but smile. All seems right with the world. This is what many loosely call a ‘runner’s high’ and why many people become obsessed with running and working out. At the end of the day, it just feels good. Why? Our bodies release endorphins after long or intense exercise. Endorphins, according to David Linden, a neuroscientist at John Hopkins University, are neurotransmitters that have similar qualities to morphine. In fact, the word, ‘endorphin’ means ‘endogenous morphine.’ These natural occurring chemicals in our body create a sense of pleasure as well as relieve pain. They also help counteract the effects of depression by boosting our moods.
While this is great news, especially for people who are struggling with working out consistently, it’s important to remember that the goal of fitness is a lasting sense of wellbeing, both physically and mentally, not a quick fix. Unfortunately, some people chase the high, pushing their bodies over and over again in an attempt to flood their bodies with endorphins, often having a negative impact on their overall sense of wellbeing.
Chasing the rush or high from exercise can be shortsighted and, ironically enough, unhealthy. For example, a recent New York Times article discussed how some competitive runners often experience a dip in their moods, even depression, if unable to run due to injury or illness. Many will continue to run even with injuries that demand rest. Remember fitness is marathon not a sprint. Don’t rush the harvest for a shortsighted goal. Instead, try to focus on the big picture of overall wellbeing. Remember the tortoise and the hare: Slow and steady wins the race.
That said, if you want to start your journey today, then sign up for the Zgym and workout with me on a continuous basis. We have a weekly workout schedule that will keep you on track with your training and recovery. I’m looking forward to working out with you!!
Love,
Z.
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Well said -).
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we still miss the weekly schedule for this week, i hope you will post one soon 🙂
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I asked the customer service about this. They will start again next Monday with the weekly workout schedule. I missed that, too.
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Thank you 🙂 thats great news!!
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I think this was an important thing to say and acknowledge. I know I have to remind myself of this from time to time. Getting too carried away can do more harm to one’s body! Good thoughts Zuzka 🙂
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Well said but when injury happens or sickness appears its so dam hard to stay on right track and to don’t loose willpower about a good diet and to take appropriate rest. I am well at the moment but i know when i get sick i am falling out of the wagon. Wanna focus on something positive and being good but its just not happening. So now wishing to not get injured or sick.
Anyhow great grate article but its so so hard. I did struggle in the past.
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Great write up!
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Well said ! Actually I was just like that less than a year ago. I loved your workouts so much but then after one month I had done so much injuries in my mental side that I had to think again. I notised that i’ve done sometimes 4 workouts in day and I did exercise 7 times/week. I was so hooked that I didn’t realize how much that cost pain inside. I was so depressed if I couldn’t exercise for some reason.. And why? I had no idea? Well now I do. I saw results so fast and, of course, wanted more faster (stupid). Too much for too soon, so bad. TaKe your time and let your body rest inside and out. It is really important!!
Your workouts are absolutely the most effective and i’ve seen so good results so fast (after one month cardio program and clean diet) and now after over half year break I can start it again but in a happy way 🙂
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I was a member for a half year but my PC had consistantly problems with showing the videos, so I am happy about every free workout und follow every article and I agree, the more workouts you make a week, the easier it is to keep on track.
Zuzka, I wait for a book about all your recepies, meal ideas and about all I would love a book about your diet!!! I have written so many books about diets, healthy foods and so on but I really agree with your ideas so I would love to have it all in one book wih a good plan for meals in combination with workouts.
And maybe with a part of all your favourite helping machines like the vitmix, your juicer and so on.
PLease thing about it 😉
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This is what I have… I feel sick and plump if I just skip one day of working out… I was injured in my ankle and needed to lay down for 2 weeks. It was a horror… I think after 3 days I gave up, crawled to the yoga mat and did some insane upper body workout (chest press, abs, etc). After 3 weeks I started to dance again, and I really felt high afterwards, as probably junkies do….
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I can’t get the videos to work on Firefox but Internet Explorer is fine as long as you click on the show all content box at the bottom.
I am addicted to the high. I really notice it on rest days. But my body tells me when I am overdoing it and I listen.
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hi, z. is it easier to release endomorphons through an intense cardio. workout or an intense weightlifting session ? or maybe both ? thanx. b.