[kdlynn (OP)]

they say that exercise wakes you up and can increase your happiness. um.. why?

[another_someone]

Simplest answer is endorphins - your own natural heroin supply.

This also does mean that it is possible to become addicted to exercise.

Ofcourse, in a broader sense, exercise can stimulate the circulation, and is beneficial in many ways; but it also triggers endorphin release.

Incidentally, as far as endorphins are concerned, the term exercise is broad enough to include sex.

[kdlynn (OP)]

but if you are doing something incredibly physical like running ten miles when you're not used to it, wouldn't that make you miserable and tired instead of happy and invigorated?

[another_someone]

but if you are doing something incredibly physical like running ten miles when you're not used to it, wouldn't that make you miserable and tired instead of happy and invigorated?

My experience is generally the contrary.

I was never one to do much running, and don't think I have ever run 10 miles (maybe not even 1 mile) in my life.

What I did used to do in my youth was, without any prior buildup, just go out for a 30 or 40 mile walk.  At the end of it, I was tired, my muscles ached (and, on the first occasion, when I was wearing a brand new pair of shoes, I had little skin left on my heal); but there was nonetheless a feeling of exhilaration about it.

[DoctorBeaver]

I walked 2 miles or so to my stable yard today, mucked out the horses, then walked the 2 miles back. Did I feel happier? No I damned well didn't. My feet are killing me!  []

[kdlynn (OP)]

that's what i thought!

[moonfire]

I walked 2 miles or so to my stable yard today, mucked out the horses, then walked the 2 miles back. Did I feel happier? No I damned well didn't. My feet are killing me!  []

Feet are dangerous weapons when using them to exercise or run..but when I walk properties I don't give it a thought until I get back to the office....I am allergic to exercise!  Hey, maybe I should tell my doc this one!!!  LOL 

[paul.fr]

they say that exercise wakes you up and can increase your happiness. um.. why?

for me, it depends on the weather. i am not happy running or cycling in the rain. But a nice sunny day when you can get a tan whilst exercising that makes me happy.

[kdlynn (OP)]

i have been thinking about this some more, and i'm thinking it may be a matter of personality. personally i love stretching and walking and simple exercise, and it seems to do the trick for me... but i really don't enjoy running or cycling or jumping up and down like a maniac. stretching and sit ups and crunches and things like that do make me more awake and happy. i don't know how i'd feel after a marathon

[paul.fr]

i have been thinking about this some more, and i'm thinking it may be a matter of personality. personally i love stretching and walking and simple exercise, and it seems to do the trick for me... but i really don't enjoy running or cycling or jumping up and down like a maniac. stretching and sit ups and crunches and things like that do make me more awake and happy. i don't know how i'd feel after a marathon

george is correct when he says "Simplest answer is endorphins - your own natural heroin supply.
" but i think you are also right Kadie.

what do you/we get out of exercise, do we do it to keep fit, fight the fat, look good....I can cycle for hours and often do 3-4 hours cycling before work in the summer. This makes me feel good.

I have run a half marathon, the run i did not feel good, and i did not get a  kick out of doing it. i was happy to finish it but that's about it.

[kdlynn (OP)]

i love to walk. i wonder why different exercises would release endorphins in some people and not others