One of my students in my Master's Swimming class asked me last week,"why do I always feel crummy in the first few minutes of class?" It's true, it takes about ten minutes before you get into a nice rhythm with just about any form of exercise. But beyond working out, think about how hard it is to get started with any task. I know how many times I hit the snooze button before getting out of bed, or how many times I pass by the vacuum cleaner before using it. How about the task of cleaning your house, or cleaning out a closet or drawer? Working out can easily be procrastinated just like anything else that you don't particularly love doing, but if you give yourself at least ten minutes to get started I guarantee it will be become easier and even enjoyable.
Ever heard of endorphins? When you swim, bike,or run or perform other types of strenuous endurance activity your pituitary gland releases substantial quantities of endorphins or chemicals which can leave you feeling euphoric and actually block sensations of pain. That is why endurance athletes can do what they do.
The naturally produced chemical can make you calm during a time when you wouldn't think so. I am reminded of when my son cut his head open on a coffee table and I had to rush him to the hospital. I was as cool as a cucumber during the episode.These chemicals are released during times of stress.The endorphins can also make an athlete feel great after a hard workout. Hence the term, 'runner's high.' This feeling can explain why people keep training and racing. I know personally I do feel better after a workout. The feeling you get becomes addictive and research done in the 1970's proves that the chemical release from this is similar to what a person feels who is using morphine or heroin.
So what about this ten minute stuff? As far as giving yourself ten minutes to feel,"good,"during a workout I would say that is a good starting point. An average person can run a mile in ten minutes.It always takes me a mile of running before I start to feel balanced, but that first ten minutes is always uncomfortable. Similarly for swimming or cycling you need ten minutes to warm up your body to get your heart rate elevated, and into your aerobic training zone.
There have been studies on how long it takes for those endorphins to kick in, and for each person it is a little different. Some people can take up to thirty minutes before they feel,"right," during strenuous activity.
The bottom line is give yourself a little time to get going with your workout before you throw in the towel. It is never easy, but just like any other activity once you get started the feeling of accomplishment, and release of those brain chemicals will leave you feeling like a million bucks.
Tri- On,
Kelly
For more information http://www.livestrong.com/article/197569-seratonin-endorphins-exercise/ check out this article.
