During yesterday’s class, an interesting thought came up. It was one of the hottest days since winter ended, and I could see that everyone was doing it a little tougher than normal. I told the class that it feels like hell at the moment, but keep going through it as the endorphins and the post-exercise euphoria will kick in afterward.

You’ll feel great and glad you kept pushing. Was what I was telling them true, though?

This brings me to this post; we are going to explore the truth behind this age-old fitness myth and what really happens to your body after a workout.

Myth Buster Mode: Engage!

First things first, we’ve all heard it before (and for some of our clients as recently as yesterday): “Exercise and you’ll get a hit of endorphins, and you’ll feel amazing!” I won’t deny that it’s a catchy phrase, but let’s get down to the nitty-gritty science.

The Endorphin High: Real or Imagined?

Endorphins, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormones, are released during exercise. But here’s the plot twist: it doesn’t always lead to an instant high. These tiny neurochemicals take their sweet time, slowly building up as you sweat it out on the treadmill or pump iron. It’s more like a gradual ascent rather than an elevator to euphoria.

Think of it like this: Remember those classic slow-build roller coasters? The incline up the coaster was slow and laborious (just like a workout), but once you’re over the top, the excitement intensifies with each turn until you’re whooping with joy. This is just like your training session; during the session, you’re in the hurt locker (the climb). The endorphin hasn’t hit yet but it is creeping up on you. After the session, you’ll reach the top of the ascent and then enjoy the thrilling ride that will have you feeling fantastic hours afterward. Pretty cool, really.

The Endorphin Cocktail

Now, what exactly do these endorphins do? They act as natural painkillers, reduce stress, and even boost your mood. It’s like your body’s built-in pharmacy, delivering a cocktail of goodness that helps you cope with both physical and emotional challenges.

Imagine this: You’ve just crushed a tough workout. Your body is literally flooded with these endorphins. Your aches and pains are muted, stress levels drop, and you’re left with that unmistakable post-workout glow. That’s the magic of endorphins in action.

But Wait, There’s More!

Exercise doesn’t just stop at endorphins. It’s a whole-body celebration! Your heart pumps harder, sending oxygen-rich blood to every nook and cranny. Your muscles get stronger, and your metabolism gets a well-deserved boost.

You’re not only building a stronger and better physique but also a healthier, happier you. And let’s not forget the self-confidence that comes with setting and smashing your fitness goals. It’s like winning a gold medal every time you hit a new personal record.

So, while the notion of an instant endorphin rush might be a bit of a myth, the reality is far better. The gradual build-up and the lasting effects are what make exercise a fantastic mood-lifter.

The real beauty is in the journey – the way you build up those endorphins, the way you conquer challenges, and the way you emerge some time afterward feeling fantastic.