The “exercise high” is a term used to describe the feeling of euphoria and increased energy that some people experience after engaging in physical activity. This feeling is caused by the release of endorphins and other happy hormones in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. In this post, you will learn different ways you can achieve an intense exercise high experience. We will also get into the benefits of the Exercise High on your physical and mental health.
Ways to Achieve the Exercise High
Many factors, such as the quality of your sleep, your nutrition, stress management, as well as how you exercise matter in how intense your experience will be. There are several ways to achieve the exercise high:
- Aerobic exercise: Activities such as running, cycling, swimming, or dancing can release endorphins and elevate mood.
- Strength training: Lifting weights or using resistance bands can also release endorphins and improve mood.
- High-intensity interval training (HIIT): Short bursts of intense exercise followed by recovery periods can also lead to the release of endorphins.
- Yoga and meditation: These activities can also help to release endorphins and improve mood through the combination of physical movement and deep breathing.
- Other: For more ways on how to achieve the Exercise High efficiently and effectively, please check out my blog.
It’s important to note that the exercise high is not the same thing as the “runner’s high” which is a more specific term used to describe the feeling of euphoria that some long-distance runners experience. Some benefits of the exercise high include:
Benefits of the Exercise High
- Increased release of happy hormones: Exercise triggers the release of endorphins and other happy hormones, which are natural chemicals in the brain that act as painkillers and mood elevators. This is why some people experience a “runner’s high” or a feeling of euphoria after exercising.
- Improved mood and reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety: Exercise has been shown to have a positive effect on mood, and regular physical activity can help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Increased self-esteem and confidence: Exercise can help improve body image and self-esteem, and the sense of accomplishment from meeting fitness goals can boost confidence.
- Improved sleep quality: Regular exercise can help improve sleep quality, and can help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
- Improved cognitive function and concentration: Exercise can help improve brain function, including memory, attention, and concentration.
- Increased energy levels: Exercise can help improve cardiovascular fitness, which can lead to increased energy levels throughout the day.
- Improved cardiovascular health: Regular physical activity can help lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.
- Increased muscle strength and endurance: Exercise can help build muscle strength and endurance, which can help improve overall fitness and physical function.
Further Readings
If you are interested in finding out how exactly you can achieve intense Exercise High’s, please check out my 200+ page book “Exercise High”, which I just released in January of this year.
In it, you will learn the answers to the following questions:
- How did our natural reward circuits evolve to be able to enjoy the Exercise High?
- What are the exact steps I should take to go about making this life-long change that will so dramatically improve my well-being?
- How can I prime my body and mind so I can get the most out of my exercise sessions?
- What activities are the best for recreating this overwhelming natural rush?
- How long, or how much, do I have to exercise to achieve the exercise high?
- What exact steps can I take to maximize and prolong this state of euphoria?
- How do I overcome personal barriers that are currently preventing me from exercising?
- … and much, much more.