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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Aibu to never feel the endorphin high after exercise that others talk about?

89 replies

FarmerBrian · 28/04/2021 14:27

I never feel good about exercise. I feel shit doing it and I don't feel any 'high' afterwards, never have done. I just feel knackered & done-in for the rest of the day. I've tried spinning, rowing & swimming.

OP posts:
TheKeatingFive · 28/04/2021 16:20

I am willing to entertain the idea that I’ve never pushed myself hard enough to get it. 😆

Aria999 · 28/04/2021 16:29

I actually find that not doing too much is necessary for me to get it. If I overdo it I just feel exhausted but 20 minutes of slightly elevated heart rate does the trick fine.

Chanjer · 28/04/2021 16:50

I get t from swimming 40-50 lengths, or from going for a sturdy 3-4 mile walk, or a 5 or 6 mile bike ride. I also get it after playing badminton, tennis, ping pong, or rounders...

For me it's climbing or cycling fast. And for me it has very little to do with overall work rate. I sometimes "hate" riding home after a late shift or from a friends house cos as much as I loved the riding I know I'm not going to sleep for a while

But these are things I love, the exercise and fitness benefit is a sideshow

JackieTheFart · 28/04/2021 16:52

I felt it once.

That wasn’t enough to make me keep up running once I completed couch to 5k!

Neonprint · 28/04/2021 16:54

Nah me neither I have no idea what people are on about.

Vursayles · 28/04/2021 16:56

Totally agree. I’ve never had it and just feel exhausted and shaky for the rest of the day. Recently started exercising again after my second baby and I genuinely feel like a clapped out old wreck after only a few sessions. So glad it’s not just me.

DroopyDaff · 28/04/2021 17:18

You need to push yourself to the absolute limit, dripping with sweat and feel that you are about to have a heart attack to get the high that you’re actually still alive IME.

No pain, no gain. I love it Grin.

Confrontayshunme · 28/04/2021 17:23

I do lots of exercise and I only ever get it after cold water swimming or longer HIIT workouts. I also only get it certain times of the mlnth, so I am sure it is hormone related somehow.

Fromage · 28/04/2021 17:32

Exercise makes me feel angry, misrrable anf depressed. As well physically very uncomfortable.

Can anyone explain how they feel without using the words 'buzz' or 'high' please? I don't need a definition, it's just that I've never experienced those things so I don't really understand what is meant.

dotdashdashdash · 28/04/2021 17:37

@DroopyDaff

You need to push yourself to the absolute limit, dripping with sweat and feel that you are about to have a heart attack to get the high that you’re actually still alive IME.

No pain, no gain. I love it Grin.

Even then not everyone experiences it. It's not a case of people not doing it right.
Fromage · 28/04/2021 17:37

DroopyDaff I could get that feeling, relief that I'm not dead, by running across the motorway or sticking my tongue in a plug socket or spilling some moron's pint. 😆

SunshineCake · 28/04/2021 17:41

@DroopyDaff

You need to push yourself to the absolute limit, dripping with sweat and feel that you are about to have a heart attack to get the high that you’re actually still alive IME.

No pain, no gain. I love it Grin.

I've had that, but I wouldn't call it a high!
LilMidge01 · 28/04/2021 17:41

I get it but only when im in good shape/really exercising regularly and hard (marathon training as opposed to general jogging fitness) and have pushed myself. If I'm just trying to fit in a half hour run, and havent been doing much in the past 2 weeks either than the odd bit here or there so am not as fit, then I definitely wont get it but will just feel knackered.
It sucks, but push through and the fitter you get and more regularly you keep it up, the more liekly you are to experience it. Or dont worry if you arent looking to do that.
Regardless, well done! Motivating yourself to exercise is never easy, especially if you're struggling with it, so be proud of yourself!

vivariumvivariumsvivaria · 28/04/2021 17:48

That's interesting about "the same as after birth" - didn't get that either, was just glad that it was over and was quite keen on a cuppa.

I also didn't get this "rush of love" that people go on about when they first look at their newborn. I was glad they were alive, and appeared to be healthy, and that really was the end of my interest. I had no desire to hold them or gaze at them or anything - was far more interested in where my cup of tea was.

I mean, I did love them, but, I wasn't mesmerised, more "they are fine, phew"

I have never had a high from a cup of tea either, and I really, really like tea.

dotdashdashdash · 28/04/2021 17:52

That's interesting about "the same as after birth" - didn't get that either, was just glad that it was over and was quite keen on a cuppa.

It's interesting as I got that rush after my c section. But not after my vaginal birth.

UnaOfStormhold · 28/04/2021 17:52

There's a very interesting section on this in Dan Lieberman's book Exercised which talks about the different biological mechanisms (there are 3 different chemical groups involved). However people's sensitivity to them vary, and unhelpfully they generally have much more effect if you are already reasonably fit.

Generally I'd recommend the book - it's basically about why we find it hard to exercise when our bodies need physical activity so much.

borntobequiet · 28/04/2021 17:56

I’ve had experience of a number of sports and the only ones I felt “addicted” to were ones where the pleasure came from getting the timing and technique spot on. That took me right out of myself. Pushing myself very hard just makes me tired, though I will do it from time to time.

StillRailing · 28/04/2021 17:58

Exercise makes me tetchy.
I do it as a chore and find that depressing.

JaninaDuszejko · 28/04/2021 18:20

DH exercises hard and doesn’t get a high, but if he can’t exercise for any reason he’s a miserable git. Sort of low level grumpy with everything and a bit short with the kids. So I guess his body has got used to the level of hormones released and instead he gets a drop.

I get this. Lockdown was shit because the pools were shut. Getting the pool at 6.30am on the 12th was bliss and I've been so much happier ever since, I feel much more energetic if I start the day in the pool. I feel happier after a short walk as well.

I don't get high with yoga but a long session makes me feel drunk and very relaxed. That is an addictive feeling although then when I have a session when nothing is right that feels like I've been short changed.

Sunhoop · 28/04/2021 18:38

It’s the exact same physiologically as the high women get after natural, complication free childbirth....for anyone struggling to think what it feels like.

Yeah... I never got it then either?! I felt cheated and figured that was just another "high" everyone was lying about!

JustGotToKeepOnKeepingOn · 28/04/2021 18:39

No I've never had it. Just feel pissed off and tired.

Biffbaff · 28/04/2021 19:17

The birth comment was a joke, right? Like saying the high after exercise is as rare as that high, ie practically non-existent?

ihavethehighground · 28/04/2021 19:30

I hate feeling sweaty. Long walks are enough for me

evilharpy · 28/04/2021 19:44

@Fromage

Exercise makes me feel angry, misrrable anf depressed. As well physically very uncomfortable.

Can anyone explain how they feel without using the words 'buzz' or 'high' please? I don't need a definition, it's just that I've never experienced those things so I don't really understand what is meant.

I am really struggling to think of a word other than buzz or high! Euphoric is too strong. Kind of glowy but not from the sweat Grin

I get it from running if pushing myself or from a hard spin class - it has to be exhausting and totally empty the tank, I feel like shit during the activity but amazing the second I finish.

Even exercise that doesn't give me the buzz makes me feel good but it's mainly noticeable because I feel horrible, grumpy, irritable and unhealthy if I don't do it.

Aria999 · 28/04/2021 19:46

@Fromage

Exercise makes me feel angry, misrrable anf depressed. As well physically very uncomfortable.

Can anyone explain how they feel without using the words 'buzz' or 'high' please? I don't need a definition, it's just that I've never experienced those things so I don't really understand what is meant.

I just feel really good.

Have you ever done a hot bath followed by a cold plunge pool? It's a bit like the feeling you get when you come out again. Exhilarated and relaxed.