Knowing the whats and whys of your body chemistry can make you become a fitter, more active person
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Despite the body pains and fatigue, exercise helps you feel good at a base level. The physical activity makes the hormones in your body go into overdrive. They are released according to what your body needs.
Each of the hormones are produced according to how you treat your body before, during, and after exercise. For example, The Path explains how insulin is produced when you consume carbohydrates before a workout. This is because insulin assists the body in absorbing the glucose or sugar found in carbohydrates. If you exercise to lose weight, you need to decrease your sugar intake and insulin levels in your body so your exercise will be powered by fats instead of sugar.
Another hormone that increases while you work out is irisin. Irisin is a hormone that transforms white fat cells into brown fat cells. According to Fitness Peak, brown fat cells burn energy as opposed to simply storing it. The more irisin you have, the more brown fat cells can fuel your workout and break down the stored fats in your body.
Other hormones do more than burn energy and fat. Endorphins give you that “runner’s high,” which helps you ignore the aches and pains that occur during a sweat session. This is helpful when the workout is challenging and utilizes parts of the body that often get attention.
Irisin is a hormone that transforms white fat cells into brown fat cells. Brown fat cells burn energy as opposed to simply storing it. The more irisin you have, the more brown fat cells can fuel your workout and break down the stored fats in your body
When it comes to the smile that forms on your face as you reach the end of your spinning class, it’s not the sheer euphoria that caused it. When you exercise, the brain releases dopamine. This hormone is usually associated with feelings of happiness and pleasure. It is also produced during core, quads, thighs, and pelvic muscle exercises as the hormone is associated with orgasms as well.
But all of these hormones are temporary and can stop once your throw in the towel. This is where regular exercise is vital. Having a routine increases your overall seratonin production. This hormone maintains a constant presence in the active body when you are disciplined with your exercise schedule.
It’s why you sleep better and how you have more energy and a clearer head—all of which contribute to motivating you to do more as you keep up with your schedule.