And the winner for best hormone in a supporting role is . . . the human growth hormone. Few body chemicals steal the show like the human growth hormone, or hGH. Usually, the press surrounding hGH is due to the abuse of its synthetic twin by athletes seeking to buff up and beef up their bodies and performance. HGH in its natural state is no less extraordinary, though much cheaper. In fact, it's free. Muscle and tissue support and delayed aging are natural rewards of hGH that can be reaped through basic exercises.
Rowing
Whether you use a machine or the natural resistance of water, rowing offers a high-volume workout that supports hGH release. Rowing is an especially beneficial exercise for male and female 30-somethings because hGH production starts to decline during these years. A 2003 article in "Sports Medicine" journal states that exercise-induced growth hormone response triggers increased fat metabolism and muscle and collagen production. As a resistance exercise, high-repetition rowing stimulates the pituitary gland -- the main headquarters of hGH production.
Tai Chi
HGH follows a circadian rhythm -- physiological rhythms that your body follows -- and is released six to 12 times per day. The largest release happens about an hour after sleep and is determined by your quality of rest and stress states. Tai chi is an exercise that uses "meditation in motion" to establish harmony in and out of the body. MayoClinic.com says that winding down your day with tai chi can increase the potential of hGH production through low-impact exercise that promotes relaxation and calm.
Cycling
The sizzling "burn" often felt during intense cycling is actually the buildup of lactic acid, a waste product that resynthesizes energy in the body. HGH exceeds its sleep-peak amount when the burn of lactic acid is endured for 10 minutes after its initial introduction into a high-intensity workout. This raised bar is called lactate threshold intensity and is often used throughout the day by training athletes to extend hGH release over a 24-hour period.
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