What keeps the fitness spree ON !!!
Unwavering mental grit, determination, perseverance etcetra - few compliments when admiring people for their fitness and regularity inspite of adverse circumstances or routines. Question is what drives them into it? Interestingly, it is synergistic interplay of neurotransmitters and hormones influenced and induced by regular physical activity. Collectively, referred to as Neurohormonal aspect of Fitness.
A crisp and captivating physiological explanation as follows:
Brain and Nervous System (Neuro) Benefits
- Increased Neurotransmitter Production
Exercise boosts the production of “feel-good” neurotransmitters like:- Dopamine: Enhances motivation, mood, and attention.
- Serotonin: Helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite.
- Endorphins: Natural painkillers that reduce stress and improve mood.
- Norepinephrine: Improves focus and mental alertness.
- Improved Neuroplasticity - my Favourite ; intriguing; inculcative
- Physical activity stimulates Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which supports the growth and survival of neurons, enhancing learning and memory.
- Stress Resilience
- Regular exercise helps regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, reducing overactivation due to stress.
Hormonal Benefits
- Reduced Cortisol Levels
- Chronic stress elevates cortisol, a hormone that can be damaging over time. Exercise helps lower cortisol or regulate its rhythm more effectively.
- Improved Insulin Sensitivity
- Fitness enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin, improving glucose metabolism and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Boosted Growth Hormone and Testosterone
- Resistance and high-intensity exercise stimulate growth hormone and testosterone production, supporting tissue repair, muscle growth, and metabolic health.
- Better Sleep Hormone Regulation
- Exercise helps regulate melatonin and circadian rhythms, contributing to improved sleep quality.
Mind-Body Hormonal Synergy - basis for Mind-Body-Soul axis connection. Kind of elixir that yogis experience.
- Oxytocin Release: Group workouts or partner (couple) activities can enhance social bonding and emotional well-being.
- Leptin and Ghrelin Regulation: These hunger hormones are better balanced with regular exercise, helping with appetite control and weight management.
Summarily, Neurohormonal benefits of Fitness are earned by oneself when these two entities work together to regulate many key functions in the body, including energy production, stress response, muscle growth, recovery, and overall performance.
|
Neurotransmitters/Hormones |
Key Benefit |
|
Dopamine/Serotonin |
Mood, focus, happiness |
|
Endorphins |
Pain relief, euphoria ("runner’s high") |
|
Cortisol |
Stress regulation |
|
BDNF |
Brain growth, learning, memory |
|
Insulin |
Metabolic health |
|
Growth Hormone |
Muscle/tissue repair |
|
Melatonin |
Better sleep |
Dr Akshat Khandekar
Family and Geriatric Medicine Specialist
Bhopal
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