The hormones that are activated when you exercise and how they help your body
When you exercise, you're not just working your muscles or burning calories. You're also activating a complex network of chemical signals in your body that involve several key hormones. These substances not only regulate how you feel during training, but also play an essential role in your metabolism, mood, performance, and long-term health.
READ: This is what happens to your body if you eat nopales for breakfastHere are five of the most important hormones released during physical activity, and why their activation is so important:
1.- Endorphins – Responsible for the feeling of well-beingEndorphins are known as the "happiness hormones." They are released during exercise, especially high-intensity activities like running, dancing, or weightlifting.
- They help reduce physical pain by acting as natural analgesics.
- They generate a feeling of euphoria known as the “runner's high.”
- They improve mood and can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Adrenaline is a stress hormone that is rapidly released when the body is faced with a stressful or challenging situation, such as exercise.
- Increases heart rate and improves blood flow to muscles.
- Stimulates the release of glucose for immediate energy.
- Improves mental focus and reaction capacity.
Dopamine is linked to pleasure, motivation, and reward. During exercise, its levels increase, which can help you maintain the habit and enjoy the process.
- Reinforces the feeling of achievement and satisfaction after a routine.
- Improves concentration and motor coordination.
- It is linked to learning new movements or physical skills.
Growth hormone (GH) is released primarily during intense exercises such as strength or interval training.
- Stimulates the repair and growth of muscle tissue.
- Promotes fat burning.
- It helps maintain bones, skin and organs in good condition.
Although insulin decreases during exercise to facilitate glucose release, its sensitivity improves considerably after training.
- Helps the body absorb and utilize glucose better after exercise.
- It promotes the synthesis of glycogen (stored energy) in muscles and liver.
- Improves overall metabolism and can prevent insulin resistance.
Exercising not only transforms your body on the outside, it also triggers a series of internal chemical reactions that benefit your mind, emotions, and metabolism. The hormones released during physical activity not only make you feel good in the moment, but also contribute to your long-term physical and mental health. So the next time you lace up your sneakers, remember: every movement is activating something much deeper than your muscles.
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