Explaining That “Runner’s High” at Her Active Life

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Explaining That “Runner’s High”

Posted September 28, 2007 at 01:00 PM by Lisa Cieplechowicz

Section: Her Fitness, Athletics, Her Health, Her Motivation

runner sunset Ever feel unusually cheerful after hitting the gym or increasingly confident after finishing up laps at the track? You’re not alone. This state of happiness after exercise is known as “runner’s high,” and has been a point of interest for researchers and athletes for years.The question is, what exactly causes runner’s high? Turns out, it’s all about endorphins.

Quite simply, endorphins are hormones that your body manufactures during exercise that are found mainly in the pituitary gland and nervous system. The interesting thing about endorphins is that they are renowned for having morphine-like qualities. In other words, they act like naturally-produced painkillers and sedatives. And, as exercise is a form of stress on the body, by participating in physical activity you are helping to release surges of endorphins. But such a release does more than soothe the aches you may experience while working out. It is the release of these “painkillers” that scientists claim is the link between exercise and elevated moods. Essentially, the more endorphins your body produces, the happier you’ll be.

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