Fitness secrets revealed: Exercise euphoria

March 10, 2:30 PMLA Personal Training ExaminerOzzie Jacobs

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Have you ever left the gym feeling better than when you arrived?

This feeling of euphoria might be described as a heavy weight lifted from your shoulders or you may feel as if you are walking on a cloud. However you describe it this “relaxation response” is something that researchers have identified as another of the numerous benefits of exercise. Numerous studies have revealed that “habitual exercisers have better moods, suffer from less depression, less anxiety and more general feelings of well-being”.

Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief science officer for the American Council on Exercise recently revealed in an interview for WebMD that "For people who are physically active on a regular basis, they have active relaxation -- kind of by moving the body and focusing on the sensation of moving your body and getting into the rhythmic activity and motion, it produces this relaxation response, and that I think contributes significantly to the feelings of psychological well-being."

If you are new to exercise or you’ve been exercising for a while and haven’t experienced the soothing after effects of exercise try these 3 easy steps:

1. Move with the breath. Connect your movement with your breathing pattern during your strength training and your flexibility routine. Exhale as you exert force and inhale as you gather your energy. During your flexibility routine inhale as you lengthen into your stretch and exhale as you relax.

2. Go with the flow. Incorporate rhythmic and continuous movement into your workout. Try to make your movements smooth and fluid by using your body efficiently.

3. Stay Calm. When you notice your heart rate elevated after a set. Calm your heart rate down by taking a few deep breaths (on the inhale expand the rib cage and abdomen, on the exhale draw in your abdominals to encourage your body to expel all the air).