What are Endorphins, and How Can You Boost Them?

Engaging in regular physical activity is a well-established method of enhancing mental wellbeing, primarily through the release of chemicals called endorphins. 

Here at F45 Training, our dynamic workouts are specifically designed to optimize the release of endorphins – giving both your physical and mental health a boost, and helping you be the healthiest, happiest version of yourself. 

But what are endorphins, and what do they do? Moreover, what activities release endorphins – and what benefits of endorphins can you experience on your fitness journey with F45 Training? 

 
Let’s find out. 

what are endorphins

What is an endorphin? 

Endorphins are our body’s natural “feel-good” hormones³. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in reducing stress, alleviating pain, and promoting an overall sense of happiness. 

So, what are endorphins? Many refer to them as ‘magic’ or ‘happy hormones’ – a group of neurotransmitters that also includes dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, and that are responsible for promoting pleasure and happiness, as well as reducing depression and anxiety. Additionally, endorphins are chemicals your body naturally produces in response to pain or stress¹. 

How do endorphins reduce stress? Well, they function as neurotransmitters, carrying signals throughout your nervous system. When released, endorphins bind to your brain’s opioid receptors, which are part of the reward system – helping ease sensations of pain and promote a sense of wellbeing².  

There are over 20 types of endorphins in your body, with beta-endorphins being the most notable for their role in pain relief and stress reduction. In fact, beta-endorphins have been found to be more potent than morphine in their effects³. 

That’s endorphins, in a nutshell. But why and how does this benefit you? 

What are the benefits of endorphins? 

Beyond their pain-relieving properties, there are several benefits of endorphins.  

Research indicates that increased endorphin levels can help: 

  • Ease symptoms of depression 
  • Reduce stress and anxiety 
  • Improve self-esteem 
  • Regulate appetite to aid weigh management 
  • Alleviate pain during childbirth5 

Want to experience the benefits of endorphins first-hand? Read on to learn what activities boost endorphins – and how to boost endorphins through F45’s wide range of body-burning, sweat-dripping workouts at a studio near you. 

Boost your endorphins with F45 Training workouts 

Here at F45 Training, we combine high-intensity interval training (HIIT), circuit training, and functional movements into 45-minute sessions designed to challenge and invigorate our members. This blend, which incorporates both cardio training and strength training, helps not only to improve cardiovascular health and build strength – it provides a big endorphin boost, too. 

As well as increasing endorphins, these workouts also up your levels of other essential hormones: such as dopamine, noradrenaline, and serotonin. These chemicals are vital for mood regulation, focus, and overall mental wellbeing6. 

Endorphins and music: how the right song can power your workout 

Music is a powerful tool that can elevate the workout experience by enhancing motivation, improving mood, and even increasing endurance7 

Through that lens, music and endorphins go hand in hand. 

At F45, we understand how important the right playlist is when it comes to keeping energy levels high and participants engaged. Our curated playlists feature a mix of high-energy, high-tempo tracks that complement the intensity of our workouts – and create the perfect environment for the endorphins to flow.  

For example, the “F45 Top 45” playlist on Spotify includes tracks like “Make It Happen” by RÜFÜS DU SOL and “Hold Me Close” by Kasablanca, which are designed to keep you moving and motivated throughout your session. This promotes a higher intensity workout and a harder sweat – and enables you and your fellow F45 members to enjoy all the best benefits of endorphins. Even better, keep listening in the car or at home after your workout!

Boost endorphins by building F45 into your daily routine 

Want to enjoy the mental health benefits of exercise and get those endorphins flowing all day long? Whether you’re looking to improve your running endurance, boost your health with aerobic exercise, or build muscle mass to improve your physical and mental health, consistency is absolutely vital. 

The good news is that, by incorporating F45 Training sessions into your daily or weekly routine, you can achieve that consistency. By holding yourself accountable to regular workouts with us, you’ll never be short of a juicy endorphin boost and, by sticking to a committed, sustainable fitness routine, are more likely to experience sustained improvements in your mood and overall mental health6. 

By engaging in our high-intensity workouts and immersing yourself in motivating music, you can optimize your body’s natural endorphin production and experience the profound mental health benefits that come with it. 

Now that you’ve learned what endorphins are, what they do, and how to boost endorphins through exercise and music, why not put that knowledge into practice with a HIIT or cardio workout? If you’re not sure which type of workout to try, our article – about the differences between HIIT and cardio – has you covered. 

1. 2, 3, 4, 6 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins

4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4061837/ 

7. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8167645/ 

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