What is the connection between cortisol and exercise?
Scientists have found a clear connection between cortisol and exercise. The amount of cortisol produced by the body is in proportion to the intensity of exercise or stress. Intensive forms of exercises such as sprinting or lifting heavy weights increase cortisol levels. Milder forms of exercise with meditative component, such as Tai Chi, Walk or Yoga, maintain cortisol production to a minimum. A person who regularly practices will have a higher threshold for physical stress and experience lower cortisol levels in response to intensive exercise than an inactive person who is trying to the same level of activity.
The connection between cortisol and exercise is clear, yet it differs from individual to individual. The body releases cortisol in response to a stress event, whether physical, mental or emotional. When a person exercises intensively, the body sees it as a form of stress and relaxes cortisol. Cortisol causes protein disintegration and someone produces new glucose. This process causes stored energy and increases body fuel to meet perceived fyzic requirements.
An active individual will experience a different relationship between cortisol and exercise than someone who lives a sedentary lifestyle. A person who runs at a slight pace daily does not necessarily experience a high level of cortisol relaxation during their daily training. If her inactive girlfriend goes on a daily run, she will most likely experience high cortisol levels that do the same exercise because her body is not accustomed to physical exertion. Likewise, if the daily runner suddenly raised his pace or significantly increase the number of kilometers or kilometers that yogs daily, her body could perceive this sudden intensity as a stressor and increase cortisol production.
cortisol and exercise connections were also observed in Proms, which are generally associated with reducing stress. It is known that yoga and tai chi and other activities that contain a component of mind and spirit keep the level of korTizolu or in some cases even reduce them. These activities often include meditation, deep breathing and visualization that help relax the body and reduce the level of stress.
understanding the relationship between cortisol and exercise is important because in some cases a longer period of strenuous exercise may lead to a permanently high level of cortisol. Depending on the person and the situation, high levels of cortisol have been observed to infertility, weakened immune system and reduce bone density. High cortisol levels are also associated with weight gain, specifically in the abdominal region. Individuals who gradually increase the level of fitness and maintain a regular program of mild exercise, generally experience a balanced level of cortisol and show a healthier response to stress in all aspects of their lives.