Have you ever exercised and been overwhelmed by a feeling of extraordinary bliss? If so, you have experienced what some people call a “runner’s high”. This term was coined back in the 1970s when long distance running and jogging became popular.
The reason I say some people is because the concept of an exercise high has been very difficult to test and prove. No two experiences are alike and that makes it difficult to study.
One person may describe it as a mind/body separation after a 30 mile run, while another person may feel it as peaceful contentment after biking for three hours.
What we do know is that when you are putting the body under stress (i.e. exercising) your body produces endorphins. According to Dr. Conrad Stoppler, these neurotransmitters mix with opiate receptors and produce a pain relieving effect on the body.
These endorphins may also produce feelings of euphoria. However, while they agree on the pain relief, not all believe the endorphins are responsible for this “high”. More so, no one knows the exact feelings evoked from this “high”, how long it lasts or what exactly causes it.
Even if we had proof that exercise can produce it, we don’t know how much exercise, the kind of exercise or the necessary environmental stimuli needed to achieve that feeling. So is this feeling just in our heads?
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign performed a study in which they found that the feelings of self efficacy and confidence in one’s athletic ability may be responsible for this feeling of sudden joy after a workout.
Well, whether an exercise “high” can be proved or it’s just a fleeting feeling in my head, I’m convinced I feel great after I exercise. Do you believe that exercise could produce a feeling of euphoria? And, if someone told you that you could feel more joyful just by working out would you be more apt to do so?