Intense Exercise Elevates Mood

The intensity of exercise impacts mood, discover researchers at Manchester Metropolitan University's department of exercise and sport science. The researchers studied 11 people who went through two 20-minute long work-outs of varying intensity. One was moderately intensive and the other was highly intensive. Blood tests were taken to identify a marker in the blood known as the lactate threshold to indicate when they had entered the more intense activity known as anaerobic exercise.

The mood was measured through a checklist before, during, immediately and 20 minutes after each work-out.   

The moderately intensive work-out did not have any impact, whereas, the volunteers reported a ‘feel good’ spirit 20 minutes after the intensive work-out which deepened their breathing and their muscles burning.

Psychiatrists describe 'runner's high' as a mood that is elevated after intense activity because it triggers the release of endorphins.  

Nickolas Smith, one of the researchers, states, "These results have implications for the recommended intensity of exercise…”

But again,  Dr Andrew McCulloch, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation,  cautions, “… intense exercise is not a realistic goal for everybody.”

Hence, some advise that each person has to find the right intensity to enjoy and benefit from exercise.


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Source-Medindia