MIKE HEATLIE: ARTICLES: Exercise Training

Exercise Training - The Greatest Orgasm?

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Exercise training – The Greatest Orgasm?

By Mike Heatlie MSc
Article Word Count: 735

I imagine by now you’ve heard of individuals who are “addicted” to exercise; people who just can’t seem to getthrough their day without having a quality
workout. How does happen? How is it possible that people can experience such a “high” from exercise and also experience withdrawal symptoms from
it? Well the “high” from exercise that people refer to can be defined as a mental state of total relaxation coupled with a pain cessation that occurs after 6090 minutes of moderate to intense exercise. I’m sure you’ve heard of endorphins right? Well these chemicals, which are produced by the pituitary gland, are released under conditions of physical stress that then act as natural pain killers giving a sensation of analgesia and a sense of wellbeing. Arnold
Schwarzenegger has described exercising as something very similar to a sexual orgasm and I have heard other exercisers state this also.

The word "Endorphin" comes from the two words, endogenous and morphine. Morphine attaches to the same receptors in the brain as endorphins, and
endorphins are chemically, very similar to morphine. You can understand therefore, why many people are “addicted” to exercise, myself included.
I absolutely LOVE the feeling I get from working out. Whether it be running six miles outside in the hills, or lifting weights whilst listening to some great
music on my IPod, the feelings of euphoria during, and also after exercise, is just incredible. My day is so much more energising, positive, optimistic, and there’s nothing I feel that can get me down, I’m too strong for it.

Research has shown that there is a link between the music you listen to and your physiological response to that stimulus. Great songs that move you
emotionally can have a tremendous impact upon your workouts which is why I encourage people to listen to music whilst they’re exercising. It helps with getting “into the zone” and to a certain extent, blocks you out of other people when they’re exercising.

Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not talking about ignoring people, I still smile and say hello to friends etc. when I’m exercising, however listening to music
lets others know that I’m focused on my workout. I listen to many different types of music depending on what exercise I’m doing. If I’m lifting weights
it can be anything from Hip Hop to Celine Dion! If I’m running I like high energy music, the Rocky soundtrack is awesome and has inspired millions to
hit the streets.

If you have an IPod, assemble a 4560 minute playlist of your favorite songs that will put you straight in the mood for exercising, and workout with that
same enthusiasm. The music also helps with the chemical release of endorphins and adrenaline, both vital for your greatest workouts ever! If you
don’t currently exercise, this is the state I hope you will aspire to. Individuals such as myself go absolutely stir crazy if we can’t exercise on days that we want to. We want that great feeling of euphoria.

Yiannis Kouros is a legend in the athletic world of “Ultrarunning” and once described his feelings whilst he was running. In an article he wrote published
by Ultra running magazine in March of 1990 he said,
"Some may ask why I am running such long distances. There are reasons. During the ultras I come to a point where my body is almost dead. My mind
has to take leadership. When it is very hard there is a war going on between the body and the mind. If my body wins, I will have to give up; if my mind wins, I will continue. At that time I feel that I stay outside of my body. It is as if I see my body in front of me; my mind commands and my body follows. This is a very special feeling, which I like very much. . . It is a very beautiful feeling and the only time I experience my personality separate from my body, as two different things."

Many people don’t experience the exercisers “high” as they simply aren’t focused on working out, do not have a productive exercise program, or simply do not put out enough effort when exercising. If you focus on a good quality exercise session and get into your “zone” with highly motivating music, it may not be long before you hardly end your day without exercising also!

Mike Heatlie MSc is one of the leading Personal Trainers worldwide. Mike holds a Masters Degree in Medicine & Science in Sport & Exercise and a 1st Class Honors Degree in Sport & Exercise Science. He has a ten year Personal Training relationship with US singer Gwen Stefani, and is the author of the epic ebook 'Lose 10 Years, 10 Pounds, in 5 Weeks!'