Which exercises release the most endorphins? – GOOD SHAPE

Answer: moderates.

According to studies, when we practice physical exercises, we release endorphin, happiness hormone.

Endorphins are released at different times throughout the day: when exercising, eating, having sex, and even during meditation. Often referred to as the “feel-good hormones,” endorphins are peptides produced by the brain that bind to opiate receptors in the brain, reducing the perception of pain and triggering feelings of euphoria.

A recent study pointed out that different exercises cause the release of this hormone to vary. The co-author, Tiina Saanijokiof Turku PET Center from the University of Turku in Finland found that adults who engaged in an hour of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) experienced a significant increase in endorphin release compared to those who engaged in an hour of less demanding physical activity. .

INTENSE X MODERATE EXERCISE

Still in the research, the release of the hormone between conventional aerobic exercise and HIIT was compared, through the recruitment of 22 healthy men, all aged between 21 and 36 years old, for the study.

On two separate days, the men completed 1 hour of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and 1 hour of HIIT. Using positron emission tomography (an advanced imaging test, providing molecular and anatomical information at the same time), the researchers measured each subject’s endorphin release after each session, as well as after a period of rest.

Thus, it was discovered that HIIT led to a significant increase in endorphin release in men related to areas of the brain associated with pain, reward and emotion.

NEGATIVE SIDES

Negative feelings were also recorded in those who performed the high-intensity training. “At very high exercise intensities, the release of endorphins appears to be linked to increased negative feelings and pain, and may be necessary to manage the emotionally and physically demanding challenge,” explains Saanijoki. “These negative feelings may discourage further exercise.”

After moderate-intensity aerobic activity, men reported feelings of pleasure and euphoria, which they found to correspond to endorphin release. “At moderate training intensities, the pleasurable sensations caused by the possible release of endorphins can promote habitual exercise,” notes Saanijoki.

Overall, the researchers believe their study sheds light on how different exercise intensities influence endorphin release. “Our results highlight that exercise intensity affects endorphin release and that the cerebral opioid system is involved in positive and negative feelings caused by physical exercise performed at different intensities”, says the doctor.