Harnessing Endorphins to Build Grit, Resilience, and Strength
Endorphins
are the body's natural opiates that induce euphoria, relieve pain, and enable
us to push beyond our limits. Instructors can use short bursts of
high-intensity training to safely trigger endorphin release in students.
The
Science of Endorphins
Endorphins
are neurotransmitters produced in the central nervous system and pituitary
gland. They bind to opioid receptors in the brain to inhibit pain signals.
Endorphin
release is triggered by pain, stress, danger, excitement, exercise, eating
spicy foods, and orgasm. They induce a euphoric "runner's high" and
allow us to tolerate discomfort.
In
martial arts training, instructors can strategically spike endorphins through
intense drills. This teaches youths to persevere through challenges.
Boosting
Endorphins in Training
High-intensity
interval training (HIIT) that rapidly raises heart rate amplifies endorphins.
This includes activities like:
-
Sprinting
-
Jumping rope
-
Burpees
-
Punching/kicking with maximum speed and power
It is
vital to only do short HIIT bursts of 30-90 seconds before resting, to prevent
injury. Cool-downs and stretches help clear waste metabolites.
Having
students push past muscle fatigue and breathe through controlled discomfort in
these intervals builds grit. They feel the euphoria of endorphins while also
expanding their limits.
This
endorphin training must be done progressively and under supervision for safety.
But it develops key mental toughness and resilience alongside strength and
speed.
Endorphins
are powerful neuromodulators instructors can leverage to help youths strive for
greatness. The "fighter's high" teaches that growth comes through
discomfort, if we can endure.
