We are well aware of the many benefits of exercise. Exercise not only uplifts our mood, but often, it also helps untangle the knots of worries that may have been bothering us. It clears our thoughts and enables us to see things from different perspectives and gain new insights. However, did you know that this positive feeling and enhanced clarity of thought are more than just sensations? Behind those seemingly effortless moments of exercise, countless neurons in the brain collaborate closely. In this article, we will briefly discuss the intricate neural processes behind exercise and shed light on the advantages it brings to us.
Behind these seemingly effortless moments of exercise, countless neurons in the brain collaborate closely
We are well aware of the many benefits of exercise. Exercise not only uplifts our mood, but often, it also helps untangle the knots of worries that may have been bothering us. It clears our thoughts and enables us to see things from different perspectives and gain new insights.
However, did you know that this positive feeling and enhanced clarity of thought are more than just sensations? Behind those seemingly effortless moments of exercise, countless neurons in the brain collaborate closely. This connection isn't just a one-way command of "I think it, and my body does it." It involves complex interactions among neurons and the participation of neurotransmitters. In this article, we will briefly discuss the intricate neural processes behind exercise and shed light on the advantages it brings to us.
How Do You Get Yourself Moving?
Today, the weather is perfect, with a gentle breeze and clear skies. You walk onto the sports field and decide to take a five-lap run. You push your foot back and propel yourself forward, taking your first step. During this process, subtle changes are occurring in your body.
The reason humans can move is that the brain's motor areas receive instructions for the movements we want to make, such as moving forward, reaching a specific point on the sports field, or taking that first step. When we engage in physical activity, motor neurons send nerve impulses that travel through neuromuscular junctions to the muscles, causing them to contract.
At the neuromuscular junction, the motor nerve terminals release a neurotransmitter called "acetylcholine." Acetylcholine binds to receptors on muscle fibers, triggering the chemical reactions that lead to muscle contraction. This process is known as neuromuscular transmission and is one of the fundamental physiological mechanisms of movement.
Part of the pleasure generated by exercise can be attributed to the action of neurotransmitters. When we exercise, it promotes the release of dopamine, which increases feelings of pleasure and satisfaction. Dopamine is involved in the brain's reward mechanism, strengthening motivation for exercise. This is one of the reasons why we feel happy during physical activity, and people who enjoy exercise continue to do so, following the brain's reward system.
Note: Dopamine release doesn't occur only during exercise; this neurotransmitter primarily governs pleasure in the brain, leading to feelings of excitement and happiness. Hence, activities like indulging in chocolate or delicious food, engaging in romantic relationships, and more can trigger dopamine release in the brain. Additionally, this is associated with certain addictive behaviors.
Illustration of Neurotransmitter Binding to Muscle Receptors (Image Source: One University)
Does Exercise Make You Smarter? Neuroplasticity in Sports
When we learn a new movement or sports skill we didn't know before, neurons in our brain create new synaptic connections, which are strengthened through deliberate practice. This evolution takes us from being unfamiliar to proficient, enabling us to better execute or complete specific sports tasks we aim for. This process not only elevates our level of motor control but also fosters new modes of communication between the brain and the body.
This plasticity allows the brain to adapt to changes in the environment, promote the formation of new neural connections, and, in some cases, potentially restore impaired functions. Research on plasticity is of significant importance in understanding learning, memory, rehabilitation, and development. It can also facilitate brain plasticity through various forms of learning and training.
Discovering Different Possibilities of Your Body and Brain During Exercise Therefore, the joy and happiness of exercise are not accidental but the wondrous chemical reactions of neurons and brain plasticity. Exercise not only allows us to experience physical pleasure but also has a positive and profound impact on the brain. When our bodies adapt and have choices for various movements, it not only enhances our quality of life and health but also continuously develops brain plasticity, enabling good thinking and feelings to persist.
Enhancing your exercise experience is also a process of providing your brain with new choices. After understanding how your body works, savvy runners should know that every exercise session is an opportunity to add value to yourself. The Bone Run Tie 2 accompanies every running enthusiast, offering a high-quality exercise experience. The silicone inner surface of the band features a raised pattern for easy heat dissipation and moisture-wicking. Its dual-layer structure ensures your smartphone doesn't come into direct contact with your skin, and the strap comfortably adheres to the curves of your arm. The first-generation RunTie has received rave reviews on global e-commerce platforms like Amazon.