Aerobic exercise is often the top choice for those looking to maintain fitness and overall health. Beyond burning calories, this type of exercise offers remarkable benefits by boosting the release of growth hormone in the blood, which has a positive impact on overall health.
What is Growth Hormone?
Growth hormone is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. Its function is crucial in growth processes, tissue maintenance, and metabolism. In children and adolescents, this hormone plays a key role in the growth of bones and muscles. However, in adults, growth hormone still plays an important role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and body fat distribution.
Aerobic Exercise and Growth Hormone Enhancement
According to research published by Universitas Airlangga, aerobic exercise significantly increases the release of growth hormone in the blood. This research shows that physical activities such as running, swimming, or cycling can naturally stimulate the production of this hormone.
The growth hormone released during aerobic exercise not only helps in maintaining and building muscle mass but also plays a role in the body’s recovery process after exercise. This means that the more frequently you engage in aerobic exercise, the more optimal your body’s recovery process will be after intense physical activity.
The Mechanism Behind Growth Hormone Increase
Consistent aerobic exercise increases heart rate intensity and forces the body to use oxygen more efficiently. When the body reaches an optimal aerobic state, the pituitary gland in the brain responds by increasing the production of growth hormone. Additionally, aerobic exercise can reduce body fat levels, which indirectly affects the production of this hormone.
In this study, researchers found that participants who regularly performed aerobic exercise had higher levels of growth hormone compared to those who did not exercise. This indicates a direct relationship between the intensity and frequency of aerobic exercise and the increase in growth hormone production.
Other Health Benefits of Growth Hormone
The increase in growth hormone levels in the body brings various health benefits, including:
- Improved Body Composition: Growth hormone helps in reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass.
- Faster Recovery: After injuries or intense workouts, growth hormone helps speed up tissue and muscle recovery.
- Enhanced Bone Health: This hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining bone density, which is important in preventing osteoporosis in later life.
- Improved Metabolic Function: By boosting metabolism, growth hormone helps in better weight management and obesity prevention.
How to Start Aerobic Exercise?
To maximize the benefits of aerobic exercise, start with an intensity that matches your ability. Some types of aerobic exercise you can try include running, brisk walking, swimming, or cycling. Make sure to do it regularly, at least 3-4 times a week, with a minimum duration of 30 minutes per session.
If you are a beginner, there’s no need to rush. Start with a low intensity and gradually increase it as your fitness improves. Consult a trainer or health professional to get more specific guidance tailored to your physical condition.
Aerobic exercise is not just about maintaining physical fitness; it also provides extraordinary hormonal benefits. By increasing the release of growth hormone in the blood, this exercise helps the body in recovery, muscle building, and maintaining bone health. So, what are you waiting for? Start your aerobic exercise routine today and experience its benefits directly on your body!
Link Journal : https://scholar.unair.ac.id/en/publications/aerobic-exercise-increases-release-of-growth-hormone-in-the-blood