Fitness high

I was just wondering if anyone gets a high from working out?  I'm just back from my wog (I'm doing the C25K running program, week 4) and I am feeling so energetic right now.   I also feel this way after lifting heavy weights.  Powerful and strong, like I can take on any kind of challenge and succeed.  Is it possible to be addicted to exercise?  I actually feel terrible when I don't make it to the gym.  I don't not attend social functions or put things off just so I can go work out, but I do miss it when I can't.  I guess after so many years of not taking care of my body, I just really want to do everything I can to be healthy.

That's all.

Original Post by 1aprilfool:

I was just wondering if anyone gets a high from working out?  I'm just back from my wog (I'm doing the C25K running program, week 4) and I am feeling so energetic right now.   I also feel this way after lifting heavy weights.  Powerful and strong, like I can take on any kind of challenge and succeed.  Is it possible to be addicted to exercise?  I actually feel terrible when I don't make it to the gym.  I don't not attend social functions or put things off just so I can go work out, but I do miss it when I can't.  I guess after so many years of not taking care of my body, I just really want to do everything I can to be healthy.

That's all.

Well, one time when I got off the treadmill after running for over 40 minutes at speeds that I haven't achieved since high school I felt sort of "Funny". When I was walking to the locker room I almost ran dead into a wall, and when I drove home I was driving very slowly, and I felt so relaxed like everything was "okay". Basically, I almost literally felt "high". It was great. But that was the only time I felt that way.

I got a running high for the first time yesterday, went running at night during a thunderstorm in the mountains. My average heart rate was 176, I beat my previous best time on that specific run, oh, and I was running in just a sports bra and short shorts.

And yes, it is possible to be addicted to exercise.

There are days (most) where working out gives me a "high." Energetic, invincible, exhausted, calm are just some of the many feelings I have. I know when I am not 100% either, because my exercise suffers - such as a cold coming on.

I get all thrown off track if I don't keep to my 5 or 6 day workout routine. It keeps me feeling great throughout the week. Have you ever had THAT workout that puts you seconds away from feeling like you want to "throw up" your guts! That's a great workout!

Ankow mentioned an average heart rate of 176 - that's like my max and I think I would have to be on speed to get that high. My resting can be as low as 49 BPM - a walk gets me into the 70-80 range - a 5-6 mph jog gets me into the 110-120 range. I did a VO2max test, beat out the maximum minutes of the test and only got to 154 BPM. I also took a stress test jogging 5.6 mph at an incline just shy of a fireman's ladder (probably around 30 %) and I still only got to 158 BPM. I don't know what it would feel like to have 176 BPM, but I bet I would feel like I was in someone else's body!!!

Go whenever you can and ENJOY the endorphins that come with the territory!

Original Post by 1aprilfool:

I was just wondering if anyone gets a high from working out? 

Oh, yeah, baby! I get sooooo relaxed from working out. It is an amazing feeling, very "zen" like in my limited experience of meditation. It can last a long time, too, like hours. I just LOVE that feeling!

Happy trails!

i absolutely feel really good after a work out. not so much high all the time, but just a general feeling of accomplishment, like ive done something good for myself and my body.

and yea i feel the same when i dont hit the gym everyday of the week. since ive been working out religiously, like everyday, since this spring, its become a part of my life. i feel different, like weak, when i dont. i love working out!! woohoo lol =D

I used to get "happy" all the time but now I can only get that high from running. Maybe that's why I keep at it. ;)

Yes, YES, YES! I get it, too, its what keeps me coming back for more of the same torture...

:D

Original Post by defrog3:

Yes, YES, YES! I get it, too, its what keeps me coming back for more of the same torture...

:D

EXACTEMENTE!

well aprilfool you know that i defo do. especially after heavy lifting and/or hiit (& you know my theory about heavy lifting/petting ).

its so funny people at work & some of my friends are like 'ooo you are so dedicated & committed' & what not, but the truth of the matter is i exercise because it feels good, no heroics or self-sacrifice, just self-gratification.

im trying to explain that to my mother about how once you get past the hurdles it gets easier. i still have days where i just want to keep my butt parked on the couch tho.

Thanks for the replies everyone!  I was feeling so amped after my workout and had to share my excitement.   So thanks for sharing yours too.

Cheers to all and happy fitness!