Where do You get YOUR High?

Those that participate in any type of endurance aerobic exercise, can attest to the positive effects on their moods.  “Exercise high,” or “runners high,” has long been recognized as a by product of the hard work.  Not only do we feel happier, but also less pain (analgesia) and have always associated this with the release of endorphins.  Studies done on humans and animals as well, are pointing to endocannabinoids as the more likely suspect!  These studies, done on humans, dogs and believe it or not ferrets, have found that endurance exercise increases the concentration of endocannabinoids in the blood which produce euphoria, similarly to the way the active ingredient in marijuana does the same.  Interestingly enough, these elevated levels were found in the humans and dogs that ran, not walked.  (Neither form of exercise had the effects on the ferrets, so they have to find their own road to euphoria!)  Take away message, get moving a little faster and keep it up!  You’ll not only be on the road to a happier body and mind!  Endocannabinoids.  I am off to get my daily dose.

 Before I do, though, I want to remind you that I plan to be at Tamarac Fitness for 10, 11:30, 6 and 7 o’clock classes.  I say plan, because sometimes it’s beyond my control. Should bands of rain come through during the day and flood the lot…I don’t know.   As for yesterday, I was in agreement with Ron to close the club.  I apologize if you ventured out there to find it closed.  I STRONGLY believe that sometimes the healthiest place to be is HOME (not just for me, but for EVERYONE!)  I have a tremendous respect for Mother Nature and know that she is bigger than us.  It would kill me if someone drove out knowing we were open and got hurt as a result of the weather!!!  If you are a fitness fanatic, days like yesterday are perfect for pulling out that old exercise video whatever it is.  I dimmed the lights, lit some incense and pulled out my mat and P90x yoga video.  Damn, that is always a great one and half hour workout, and one I don’t get to do often.

Keeping good thoughts for the people of the gulf states as Isaac makes his way there.  Please, Isaac…try to stay the gentle man you were to us in southern Florida.