A happy athlete during a weight training session

Endorphin and bodybuilding: everything you need to know about the pleasure hormone

Have you ever felt this feeling of fullness after an intensive workout in the gym or a run? This addictive sensation is the result of a natural process in the human body: the endorphin secretion. In addition to the euphoria that it generates, this hormone of well-being has several benefits that I suggest you discover.

What is endorphin?

Before we look at the link between endorphins and bodybuilding, let's take a look at what this hormone actually is.

The endorphin (or endomorphine) is a substance naturally produced by the central nervous system, and more precisely the brain. It was discovered in 1975 by two researchers from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, John Hughes and Hans Kosterlitz.

Also known aspleasure hormoneEndorphins have properties similar to opioids such as morphine.

It is also part of the famous family of happiness hormones, along with dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin. Endorphins are secreted in a significant way when the body is subjected to a situation of physical or psychological stress.

We will now see the benefits of endorphins for the athletes.

The effects of endorphins on the body

The euphoria

The first effect of endorphin is undoubtedly the most well-known. Once released by the organism, this hormone brings a real sense of well-being. That's why you're often in a good mood after your workouts at the gym.

This feeling ofeuphoria leads many athletes to become addicted to physical activity. In this sense, the effects of endorphins are sometimes compared to those of drugs, all things considered of course. Some even compare them to what they feel after an orgasm.

Smiling bodybuilder
The endorphins released during a strength training session promote well-being.

If this addiction to sports does not present any danger at first sight, be careful not to fall into bigorexia.

Stress reduction

Like morphine, endomorphine has anxiolytic effects. This means that it allows fight against stress and anxiety.

Endorphins have an important psychological effect. It has the power to make negative feelings and emotions disappear and offers a sense of fulfillment.

However, it cannot solve much deeper psychological problems. In this case, it is of course preferable to turn to a specialist.

As a rule, this is why sportsmen and women are less anxious than passive people. The effect of endorphins is felt 6 hours after a sufficiently intense sporting activity.

Pain reduction

In addition to its anxiolytic effect, endorphin also has the power to reduce pain.

In concrete terms, the analgesic effects of this hormone allow the body to raise its pain tolerance threshold. The hormones bind to the opioid receptors, which will partially block the sending of pain signals.

This is for example what happens during childbirth. A massive release of endorphins helps women to cope with the pain inherent in such an event.

These effects can be felt up to 4 hours after the release of endorphins in the body.

Need a complete weight training program ?

A boost of energy

When the level of endorphins in the body is high, it helps the body feel less tired. The feeling of exhaustion is less present.

Finally, the role of endorphins is similar to that of a natural dopant. They also regulate the respiratory tract and are involved in the moderation of cardiac functions. In other words, they increase the body's endurance capacity.

L'endorphin and sport are therefore intimately linked. When you practice an intense physical activity, alone or with a sports coach, the secretion of this pleasure hormone allows you to surpass yourself.

How to produce endorphins?

Given the benefits of endorphins, it may be interesting to know how to to boost this hormone.

As for boosting your dopamine, the best advice I can give you is to work out.

As you can see, endorphins and sport go hand in hand. However, it is essential to make a significant effort to help the brain release endorphins. A muscular activity requiring 70 % of your maximum heart rate for 30 to 45 minutes should be sufficient.

Happy athlete after a running session
Endurance sports and weight training promote the release of endorphins.

The amount of endorphins produced depends on the duration and intensity of the exercise. Scientific studies conducted on the subject estimate that weight training or a running session can increase the amount of endorphins produced by a factor of 5.

To achieve this goal, the endurance sports or cardio activities requiring split efforts are to be preferred. The best sports to secrete endorphins are :

  • weight training,
  • cardio-training,
  • crossfit,
  • running,
  • swimming,
  • cycling,
  • Team sports (soccer, handball, basketball, rugby, etc.).

The sun's ultraviolet rays also promote the production of endorphins. So, weather permitting, don't hesitate to do your physical preparation or strength training outdoors!

Finally, you should know that eating dark chocolate also releases endorphins... In moderation of course!

Conclusion

Endorphin is a hormone that is responsible for many benefits. Its impact on the mind and on physical condition is amazing. Endomorphine simply makes you feel better. One more reason, if one were needed, to do sports regularly!


Other articles to read :

Why is recovery more important than training?

Discover the training of Lou Ferrigno, the incredible Hulk

How to master the thruster?

Alcohol and bodybuilding: The harmful effects when we consume alcohol

Share on :
📩 Subscribe to my private mail and receive in 🎁 :

Sur le meme sujet que : Endorphin and bodybuilding: everything you need to know about the pleasure hormone

One Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *