Adrenaline - the forgotten ingredient?

[272BHP]

It seems to me that people who have a regular exposure to adrenaline look much better physically than people who don't. I have observed hundreds of soldiers who go on ops and to a person they come back clear of eye and carved of cheek and they do this irrespective of how much junk food they have consumed over the previous 4-6 months (I know some go through terrible experiences but this thread is not about that)

Shouldn't exposure to adrenaline and other hormones be a massive consideration to anybody who wants to really get in shape? mostly I see people counting calories and looking at the calorie expenditure on the exercise bike when really they need to be up to their noses in mud on Tough guy or getting in a boxing ring. Generally you can tell just by looking at someone if they know what real physical exertion is.

Seems obvious really, the latest fitness trends are towards shorter, high intensity work outs which is fine, but they tend to ignore the fact that in order to really push yourself then you need to have some kind of influx of adrenaline to really hit the heights or to go that extra yard. in short, you need to be fearful, angry and up for it - not things that are easily induced without external pressures.

It is often said that you need to get out of your comfort zone if you want to get in shape but I would add that sometimes you need to get into the trenches as well.

This is something that is rarely debated though is it? what are peoples thoughts?

[TheInternet]

272BHP said:

you need to be fearful, angry and up for it

Roid rage?

[didelydoo]

I drive dangerously, with Slayer on loud on the way to the gym, whilst wking, and with 1 eye closed.

Works for me.

[oldbanger]

But yet cortisol is a real bugger if you want to lose weight. Not sure you want to supplement with stress hormones to keep trim.

[272BHP]

Elevated cortisol levels are surely perfectly fine for short periods? its only really a problem if it is elevated for long periods due to life pressures.

I stand to be corrected though.

[goldblum]

272BHP said:

Shouldn't exposure to adrenaline and other hormones be a massive consideration to anybody who wants to really get in shape?

No. Not in the case of adrenaline(epinephrine and norepinephrine as it is now known).It interferes negatively with the training process on a number of levels.

[numtumfutunch]

Not an expert but arent squaddies usually pretty young and motivated to keep in shape on account of their lives depending on it?

Dont think your argument holds much water TBH

[Some Gump]

Op,

I don't buy it. Just think it through - nothing stirs the blood / produces adrenal response more than danger. It's summer, and i've spent a lot of time staring down certain injury whilst guarding my pint from wasps. By your logic, i shoukd be thin as a rake, but i've actually out weight on.