Exercise not only has long-term benefits, but also short term effects on the body. The heart starts pumping faster, breathing is accelerated, adrenaline is released and the body needs much more oxygen. Besides the obvious immediate short-term physical effects, other internal functions change as the body is stressed while exercising.
Increased Insulin Action
Steven E. Black noted short-term insulin effects after exercise in a study published in the August 2005 issue of the "Journal of Applied Physiology." Energy balance and improved insulin action were noted after exercise in subjects who did not replace energy loss with sport drinks or food. Subjects who did drink a sport drink and replace lost calories after exercise showed no change in insulin action. The study concluded that short-term changes in energy or carbohydrate balance play a role in regulating beneficial effects on weight loss and whole body insulin action.
Increased Cardiac Output and Blood Pressure
Aerobic exercise such as running, jumping rope or bicycling increases the body's need for oxygen while exercising. This short-term effect causes circulation to increase to meet the body's need for increased oxygen. Blood carries the oxygen to the body driven by the heart. Heart rate and oxygen consumption increase directly proportionate with exercise intensity. Blood pressure, heart rate and pulse are all increased while exercising and for a short time afterward, according to Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.
Endorphin Release
Another short-term effect of exercise on the body is the release of endorphins during high-intensity exercise. Typically called "runner's high," increased endorphins produced in the brain cause a state of euphoria or happiness, according to Professor Henning Boecker, with the University Hospital Bonn, in an article published in the March 6, 2008 issue of "Science Daily." Increased endorphins associated with exercise also produce short-term effects of reduced stress, anxiety relief, enhanced mood and decreased perception of pain.
Increased Metabolism
Your muscles convert glucose to energy while exercising. Heart rate, oxygen use and pulse increase during exercise, causing an increase in metabolism. This produces CO2 and H+ in the muscles. The increased energy use causes increased breathing to supply oxygen needed for the surge in metabolism.
References
- Medical News Today: Short Term Exercise Significantly Increases Insulin Action
- Journal of Applied Physiology: Improved Insulin Action Following Short-Term Exercise Training: Role of Energy and Carbohydrate Balance
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: Exercise and Blood Pressure
- CBS Money Watch: Heart Rate Response To exercise-Tech Brief
- Science Daily: Runners' High Demonstrated: Brain Imaging Shows Release of Endorphins In Brain
- Washington University in St. Louis: How Does Exercise Affect the Body?
