Have you ever noticed that people who work out consistently tend to have a stronger appreciation for themselves? People who are happy with their physical appearance tend to feel good about themselves. Does this mean most gym rats are cocky? Maybe…but I would like to give them the benefit of the doubt. Most people would agree that looking good would have an effect on your confidence levels. This is most definitely true, but I think it goes a bit deeper than this. So, why do people who frequently exercise feel so good about themselves?
The first reason for this feeling comes from a hormone released in the brain and body called serotonin. When you exercise, your body increases the amount of serotonin it produces in your body. Serotonin plays a very important role in vital brain functions, but one of the best effects has to do with its ability to increase your mood. This is why many antidepressant drugs try to increase the amount of serotonin being produced in the brain.
Your body also releases hormones called beta-endorphins during exercise. These are magical hormones because they decrease pain during your workouts and they also have a very powerful “euphoric effect.” When these hormones are released, you get almost a natural high, which naturally increases your mood and behavior.
Another major factor for why we feel good from working out has to do with testosterone. This is another hormone that is released during exercise. Testosterone has been known to increase self esteem, mood, and vitality. This is another logical reason for why people who work out consistently feel so good.
Of course confidence is a major factor when it comes to being satisfied with your physical appearance, but these hormones are the key ingredients to feeling good. Hormones are extremely powerful and control how we act and feel. If you want to change how you feel about yourself, try giving exercise a shot. It may not be the magical answer to your problems, but it can’t hurt. Well…it may hurt, but if done correctly, just in a good way.
-Tom