The numerous health benefits of cardio exercises like running were discussed last week. When it comes to running, there are some compelling terms that you may have heard but are not exactly sure what they mean or how they work. “Runner’s high” is one, and “hitting the wall” is another, both phrases used when discussing endurance training. So, what are these things and how do they work?

“Runner’s high” is an oft cited feeling of well being, comfort, calm and ease that runners describe happening during exercise. The underlying cause for this feeling has to do with the release of endorphins. Endorphins are neurotransmitters, peptides in this case resembling opiates because they produce in the brain this feeling of well being. It is claimed that the phenomenon has evolutionary roots, allowing early runners to overcome pain in the pursuit of food. For this same reason, runner’s high can lead to injury when exercisers overexert themselves. Careful monitoring is important.

“Hitting the wall” is a phrase used to describe the point at which runners feel as if they can no longer go on, due to fatigue and lack of energy. How does this happen? After all of the glycogen, one of the main energy storing chemicals in the human body, has been depleted from the muscles and liver, the body will feel as if it cannot continue because there is little energy stored to keep going.

Running has numerous health benefits because of the powerful reactions it draws from the body. To find out more about how to do this efficiently and successfully, talk to Kenneth Rozenberg today.