YOUR BRAIN ON EXERCISE

- By Fitness Specialist, Bev Stewart

As a regular member to Strata Fit, you’ve probably noticed that after a workout on the Hydro Rower, interval training on the cardio equipment, or in a class that makes you sweat, you leave feeling rejuvenated and invigorated. What causes this feeling?

It’s the change in brain biochemistry ! Your brain has 100 billion neuron cells, which transmit chemical signals (neurotransmitters) that are responsible for how we feel, think and behave. Two of these neurotransmitters--endorphins and serotonin---are responsible for why you feel good when you exercise. Endorphins are released by your brain during aerobic (“cardio”) exercise; and give you that “I feel great” feeling, by blocking pain. This feeling can come from briskly walking your dog to running a marathon.

Serotonin boosts your mood and makes you feel good; and serotonin levels can increase from strength training and other forms of exercise besides aerobic exercise. (The most prescribed anti-depressant medications work by pumping more serotonin into the brain.)

Another brain compound promotes cognitive health: A protein called brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF); and the best way to trigger production of BDNF protein is to exercise.

The above information is taken from this article by the American Council on Exercise.