Friday, December 23, 2011

Look for the Dopamine and Serotonin - Fitness and Workout Tips from Jumpin' Jeff

Did you ever notice…that once in awhile you get a great workout in and afterwards you feel a sort of bright euphoria: I mean, you feel empowered and calm and upbeat all at once. Well, as it turns out, those feelings also come from a stream of hormones that we can generate in 20 to 30 minutes (endorphins,dopamine and serotonin).
Throughout history, people have been drawing on brain chemicals to give them the strength to meet a physical challenge. The ancient Romans and Olympians felt it and we feel it after a good workout. Why do you feel so good after these stressful events? It’s the brain chemicals. Turns out that the brain squeezes out all kinds of chemicals to defend us against a physical challenge. Along with endorphins, the master glands of the brain give us serotonin and dopamine. Did you know that you can create these hormones in a half hour but they will make you feel good for many hours?

You can do it with any kind of workout, but it must slowly gain in intensity for 30 minutes. For this endeavor we need controlled crescendos of effort towards the 30 minute mark. You can use any training theory from Lifeline USA Kettlebells to Aerobic Exercises. At the 25 minute mark, do 20 second bursts with 40 seconds rest. Do not do it at full speed; just move with varying intensity and then at your greatest controlled intensity, at the 30 minute mark, begin to cruise at light effort for 2 to 5 minutes and now you will feel this surge of good feelings if you didn’t do too little or too much. You’ll feel great for hours. Now you can go eat or continue with a different, more moderate workout, but not more than 30 minutes more. This is how to elicit dopamine and serotonin at will. Your workouts will be easier and you will anticipate the next opportunity to get those great feelings. Have at it, my friends. Learn this strategy for a life of great workouts and good feelings.

Let’s get those positive chemicals flowin’. Not too much, not too little. Stay the course; it is worth it! 

For more information feel free to visit my website at Fitnesslifeline.com
Jumpin Jeff