Intense exercise increases circulating endocannabinoid and BDNF levels in humans—Possible implications for reward and depression

[Globetrotter 1,340]

http://www.psyneuen-journal.com/article/S0306-4530(11)00287-3/abstract

Endorphins got all the credit back in the 80's, now we know it is really the endocannibinoids that release that "runner's high", which I personally get from lifting, not running.

[CoreyCan 95]

Ughhh can't wait to start lifting again. Not that I'm any hardcore gym rat but I've always exercised which is why I think I never got as heavy as I'm sure with my eating warranted. Love feeling strong. My surgery was April 17 so I'm only 2-1/2 weeks out. My doctor said I can start again at 3 weeks. When did you start?

[aroundhky 1,174]

http://www.psyneuen-...0287-3/abstract

Endorphins got all the credit back in the 80's, now we know it is really the endocannibinoids that release that "runner's high", which I personally get from lifting, not running.

Yeah, I also get it from lifting more than running. Don't get me wrong, running helps, but nothing like lifting for me. Thanks for the article!!

[gmanbat 5,889]

I am old fart free weights kinda guy. I've always liked lifting and the hulky feel that follows.

I have found a form of cardio that comes pretty close to lifting in afterglow.

I do an intense session of HIIT once or twice a week in addition to resistance training. I run up a steep hill near my house full speed for 30 seconds with 5 pounders in my hands and 2 1/2 pound weights on each foot. 10 times yesterday, run up, walk back down, up again. It's over in less than a 1/2 hour but hangs on me all day. To me it's a mixture of cardio and resistance. Franco Columbu, former Mr. Olympia and Arnold's friend, liked full speed running for removing fat. This is a 64 year old guy's compensation for age.

Extended running/jogging always seemed to trash my knees and shins no matter how much I spent on shoes, this doesn't. However, when I am showering afterward, I have an illusion of falling forward, after effect of uphill blasting no doubt.

[aroundhky 1,174]

"Globetrotter", you have very big............................................topic titles.

[Fiddleman 4,376]

Interesting article. I still do not experience the high of weight lifting that I get from running. Looking for an opportunity to feel the rush. Maybe it only comes from heavy lifting. My lifting is not so heavy yet (155 lb bench press for example).

[Globetrotter 1,340]

From what I have read, this particular kind of euphoria is rare, everyone feels good after exercise but this is different. I could count myself lucky to feel such mind bending pleasure from strenuous activity *cough*, but I also think it has something to do with a genetic predisposition toward addiction, basically our brains are overly sensitive to pleasure, we feel pleasure more intensely than normal people. So, some addicts abuse this gift with heroin, others with alcohol. Me, I hit the cheeseburgers. And people can legitimately become addicted to exercise, I'm sure I'm a looong way from that, but I get it.

[Globetrotter 1,340]

"Globetrotter", you have very big............................................topic titles.

Yeah, their pretty ... noteworthy

[aroundhky 1,174]

From what I have read, this particular kind of euphoria is rare, everyone feels good after exercise but this is different. I could count myself lucky to feel such mind bending pleasure from strenuous activity *cough*, but I also think it has something to do with a genetic predisposition toward addiction, basically our brains are overly sensitive to pleasure, we feel pleasure more intensely than normal people. So, some addicts abuse this gift with heroin, others with alcohol. Me, I hit the cheeseburgers. And people can legitimately become addicted to exercise, I'm sure I'm a looong way from that, but I get it.

[aroundhky 1,174]

If I have an addiction problem as you say....I guess there are worse things I could be addicted to.

[Globetrotter 1,340]

Right? But genuine exercise addicts will exercise until they break their legs (true story). I can honestly say that the flood of pleasure after lifting is unlike anything else.