Neurology

Endorphins Motivate Exercise

Endorphins Motivate Exercise

Train yourself to enjoy exer­cise by rewarding yourself with endor­phins in the form of healthy pleasures after a workout.

Feel Good About Exercise

You may not consider the role of neurology in your exercise plans. Yet, the chemicals in your brain can give you the drive to exert yourself. Conversely, aerobic exercise influences brain chemicals like cortisol, endo­cannabi­noids (eCBs), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), dopamine, and serotonin.

Can’t Get Enough Endorphins

The pituitary gland in your brain and the central nervous system secrete endorphins. Scientists do not fully understand the entire role of endorphins. Yet, they attribute the positive mood after aerobic exercise—running specifically—to endorphins. These chemicals act like an analgesic, similar to morphine. Since we prefer the absence of pain, we gravitate towards activities that release endorphins.

Vigorous fitness routines release endorphins. Building muscle requires fibers to stretch, tear, and regrow. So you derive a measure of pain and pleasure from a workout. As you get used to the routine, it is less painful and more pleasurable. Before reaching this hurdle, the anticipation of pain prevents you from gravitating to exercise. You might prefer the pleasure of lying on your bed and munching on a favorite snack.

Endorphins Motivate Exercise

Train With Endorphins

Animal trainers get domestic animals to perform a variety of amazing tricks with a positive reinforcement reward system. They reward incremental progress with small treats that bring pleasure. You may not consider yourself an animal but you can learn something from their results.

Can you train yourself to enjoy exercise by rewarding yourself with endorphins? How about rewarding yourself with healthy pleasures after a workout? Within a few weeks, the workout itself will be rewarding enough.

Until you form a fitness routine, you may need to sweeten the deal. Blend yourself a protein smoothie. Let it chill while you’re stretching your calves and hamstrings. Then take a brisk walk around a couple of city blocks (in a safe neighborhood).

Reduce impact on your feet at a nearby park on a track while wearing proper shoes. Progressively pick up your pace and your distance each week.

Begin jogging as far as you can before walking to reach your distance goal. Also, enhance pleasure by walking or jogging while watching the sunrise or sunset. Health permitting, bike riding is also a good form of exercise that can reward you with endorphins. So don’t focus on the pain without realizing the gain. Aim for your pleasurable reward.

To support the writing of useful articles about neurology, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.

ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about neurology. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.

Show your support by donating, shopping for ClinicalPins, or leaving an encourag­ing comment to keep the research going.

To support the writing of useful articles about neurology, ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may sponsor specific articles or remit a small donation.

ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online to offset expense of the writing useful articles about neurology. Slide extra posters into DeuPair Frames without removing from the wall.

ClinicalPosters sells human anatomy charts, scientific posters, and other products online. You may remit a small donation.

You can support the writing of useful articles about neurology by sponsoring specific articles or remitting a small donation. Visible content is optimized for device size.

Read next article

'Cary Grant with Audrey Hepburn'
'Lose Weight Without Dieting'