Why does running make people feel better?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the physiological and psychological effects of running, particularly the release of endorphins and their role in creating a sense of euphoria known as the "runner's high." Participants agree that endorphins act as natural painkillers, allowing individuals to endure physical exertion without immediate fatigue. The conversation also highlights the importance of proper warm-up and cool-down routines to manage lactic acid buildup, which can affect performance and comfort during exercise. Additionally, the potential therapeutic benefits of exercise for conditions like PMS are mentioned, suggesting a broader impact of endorphin release on overall well-being.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of endorphins and their physiological effects
  • Knowledge of exercise physiology, including warm-up and cool-down techniques
  • Familiarity with the concept of the "runner's high"
  • Basic awareness of the relationship between exercise and mental health
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mechanisms of endorphin release during physical activity
  • Explore the role of exercise in managing mental health conditions
  • Investigate the effects of different types of exercise on endorphin levels
  • Learn about the physiological processes involved in lactic acid production and clearance
USEFUL FOR

Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, mental health professionals, and anyone interested in the physiological effects of exercise on mood and well-being.

  • #31
Nereid, I certainly don't know what it takes to get a runner's high. I don't think it works for everyone, and don't know why either. No matter what vigorous exercise I've been doing or for how long, I've never felt anything other than pure exhaustion by the end of it. I've never found exercise to be something I do for enjoyment, it's something I get as a side effect of needing to do work.

If you a prone to have it, and have not run much, on practical experience something like 10-20 mins out of the aerobic region will probably do the trick. This is just on the basis of experience from our cross country running "circles". If the workout is such that it takes you to your knees so to speak, then the resulting high is usually an extreme one. The best exercise for me currently to get as high as possible is something like maximum exertion uphill pacing, in which the "load" increases rapidly and in the end you work by your very maximum heartrate. What is interesting about it is that it involves a heavy mental element, which I see as a prerequisite for the high (at least for a good one).
 
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  • #32
I forgot about duration, that's more important a factor than extending one's reach toward be an all natural junkie, but I haven't heard anyone say, "damn we need to clean up these parks look at all these junkies running around!".

Why doesn't anyone say that?
Which would you suppose is more important, being able to step far out of a box or step deep into a box?
 
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  • #33
hi's

MoonbeeR

the motivation for a runner would be completely different than that of a heroin(e) addict. right? they are both seeking something, but the runner's intent is different.

addicts are driven by issues from childhood. whether it be spoiled rotten, abuse, or death of a parent-or whatever deep seated soul-pain is driving it. it is not an act of love to stick a needle in your arm ONCE.

a runner's motivaton may be for health, life span, escape the spouse, or to improve/enhance the quality of their life. they already for the most part have "it" together. dopey on the other-arm wants to stop the pain.

there are tons of factors that would be almost impossible to weigh regarding the actual length of time it takes one to become addicted to heroine. frequency, quality of dope, the individual's metabolism AND the driving force (soul-pain) behind it.

the insanity is it makes one (most) sick initially, then depending on your willingness to get sick, tolerate it/tolerance - knock knock - addiction. then you have to keep doing it to not get sick. makes sense. makes absolutely no sense. that is the nature of addiction.

heroin IS an honest drug. it tells you the truth immmediately. cocaine deceives.

years ago i pumped iron and ran five miles a day. I'm older now and wiser, so i don't even walk. my motivation then (to run) was a cute detective in that hole in the wall gym. i loved the benefits of running at the time. weights were my first love because of the mental discipline it gave me. once again, older and wiser, i have to be careful picking up my webster's encyclopedia.

years ago i dabbled in drugs. my motivation was different than working out. i had a decent childhood. i simply grew tired of feeling all the time. i thank the gods there was no detective in sight. :smile:

these days i get "higher" than i ever did from drugs or exercise. it isn't all the time, nor is it rare for me. sometimes it's for no reason, and sometimes it's from the mountains, music, people, and pursuing my goofy interests. i don't understand it, but i get (the best) a real high.

Thank you, MoonbeaR time for me to do my dance to the endorphin gods. :devil:
 
  • #34
endorphins and opiod-like brain chemicals aside, running is also just a plain good old way to relieve stress. For me I always found it relaxing to lace up my shoes and hit the road running with no particular destination or course in mind. Particularly cross-country running, with the trees, fresh air, scenery and quiet (aside from the rhythmic thumping of your feet hitting the ground). It's kind of like meditating.
 
  • #35
endorphins and opiod-like brain chemicals aside, running is also just a plain good old way to relieve stress. For me I always found it relaxing to lace up my shoes and hit the road running with no particular destination or course in mind. Particularly cross-country running, with the trees, fresh air, scenery and quiet (aside from the rhythmic thumping of your feet hitting the ground). It's kind of like meditating.

Yeah, its like a mental addiction, or say, a release channel you in time start to use to such extent that can't really go without. Got to go do some now !
 
  • #36
Here is a link to a clip of a famous body builder who also gets a kind of high from exercise, some adult language in it though. Is he deluding himself or is he really getting this kind of high form what he does? How is that possible if it's true, could it be all in the mind? And doesn't he sound just a little bit gay to you?

http://www.kontraband.com/main.asp?cat=movies&page=16

It's the second clip down, titled-Arnold is coming.
 
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