Exercising in the Pursuit of Happiness

There are many things that make the inactive populous shy away from taking up an exercise regime; ‘it will hurt, I’ll pull up sore, I’ll get out of breath and might not be able to do it, I’ll sweat and go red and look a mess!’ There are a lot of negatives that get in the way of people bringing about a positive change to their lifestyles. However, ask a regular exerciser about their training and I bet there is no major reference to the idea of pain. Exercise is depicted as a ‘time-out,’ a pleasurable thing, it might even be considered ‘addictive!’ A lot of recreational joggers talk about a “runner’s high;” hitting that ‘zone’ or state of “flow” that takes them to a place where any physical discomfort is suppressed by the feelings of euphoria and relaxation. Now, even medical practitioners have latched onto exercise as a powerful “feel good” aphrodisiac for patients with mood disorders such as anxiety and depression. Exactly how exercise boosts moods is unknown, the answers are probably both in the body and the mind.

There are two neurochemicals released during exercise that can brighten the mood; serotonin and endorphin. Serotonin “serves to elevate mood, increase feelings of satiety, and lift depression (“Exercise and Mood” – Claire Dorotik). Serotonin gives us that satisfied feeling after we have a long run, after we finish a large bowl of pasta or when we take comfort in our close friends or family (“Exercise and Mood” – Claire Dorotik). When Serotonin becomes depleted with stress, anxiety, inactivity or low carbohydrate diets, we become irritable, moody, depressed and exhausted.

Endorphins are “morphine-like brain chemicals that can trigger feelings of euphoria and relaxation” (“Scientists have a Good Feeling about Exercise” – Carol Krucoff). Endorphins are responsible for the decrease in physical pain when we exercise. A “runner’s high” is a good example of this; many runners will “attest to the fact that chronic pains seem less noticeable during, and immediately after a run” (“Exercise and Mood” - Claire Dorotik). Many runners can complete long distances without even noticing a blister on their foot or muscle fatigue in their legs.

According to Dr. Madhukar Trivedi, director of the depression and anxiety disorders program at the University of Texas Southwest Medical Center in Dallas, ‘patients with a depressive disorder generally have an imbalance in certain brain chemicals including serotonin and norepinephrine” (“Scientists have a Good Feeling about Exercise” – Carol Krucoff). Trivedi states that “in these patients, the endorphin release from exercise may help modulate neurochemistry and restore balance.” A study conducted by Atlantis, Chow, Kirby and Singh on how exercise affected the mental health of 73 subjects over 24 weeks also showed that exercise improved stress levels for depressive symptoms (“Studies on Exercise and Well-Being” – Mead GE, Morley W, Greig CA, McMurdo M, Lawlor DA). This study was conducted on a group of Australian casino employees and involved a program of aerobic and weight training exercise plus behaviour modification. The study concluded that “multi-modal exercise (aerobic + weight training) improves self-reported measures of stress and quality of life” (“Studies on Exercise and Well-Being” – Mead GE, Morley W, Greig CA, McMurdo M, Lawlor DA).

Exactly why exercise is an aphrodisiac to mood disorders remains unknown. There are many factors. Some researchers speculate that “repetitive, rhythmic physical activity, such as swimming laps or running- may exert a tranquilizing effect on the brain stem and nervous system in a manner similar to rocking a baby. Others note that exercise enhances sleep, allowing people to “recharge their batteries” more fully at night, resulting in more stable moods during the day” (“Scientists have a Good Feeling about Exercise” – Carol Krucoff). There are also physiological factors – weight loss and lean muscle gains can inspire a sense of confidence, and there is the social outlet that most work- out venues provide that can alleviate the sense of isolation and loneliness often felt by those suffering from depression.

As a Group Fitness instructor I can see how all of these factors can brighten one’s mood. When in an RPM class the constant pace of the ride set to the beat helps give a rhythm to my intensity – it creates a sense of control (that many people with mood disorders long for!). When people have ‘felt the burn’ or experienced a part of their workout they have considered challenging I often hear a popular phrase “I’ll sleep well tonight!” It’s as though they needed the exercise to send them off into a state of blissful sleep. Sometimes it takes a focused session where you really work the body to shut off the mind.

It is no secret; the more active you are the more calories you burn. Most people, even if they don’t alter their diet see a physiological change when they exercise. Even if we convince ourselves that looks aren’t important, when we become leaner or develop lean muscle mass, it enhances our sense of self-confidence.

My best classes have been the ones where I have looked out amongst my participants and seen them smiling at me and each other. What makes a class amazing is realising that it is a shared experience; we feel a part of the energy, the music and each other and ride out the highs together. Classes are the ultimate social work out! Yes, you can catch up with your friends in the gym and chat about your week but that is nothing on feeling the emotion that music can bring, losing your self-consciousness because you know that all of those around you feel what you feel! There is nothing lonely or isolated about a class; everyone shares the moment.

A friend of mine once said to me she didn’t understand why people got distressed about missing their workout. All I could think to say to her was “try working out once and a while!” My harsh but true advice had a point! Initial workout regimes are hard, long term ones become like candy; they promise sweetness (in this case results), produce neurochemicals that tell us we want more! And make us live for the moment, whether that be because of the social environment presented to us or because of the level of control we feel over ourselves at that point in time. Because of this I understand the addiction, the pleasure and the cure.