How internal and external information may help you to become a better performer
The Dual Pathways of Communication in the Human Body
In the human body, messages are transmitted through two primary mechanisms: as electrical impulses conveyed by the brain and nervous system, and as hormonal signals disseminated via the bloodstream by the endocrine system. Electrical signals encompass, for example, the perception of limb positioning, the relative orientation of various body parts, and the assessment of the force required to alter these positions. The endocrine system, on the other hand, is responsible for conveying information through circulating hormones—such as leptin, which communicates signals of satiety to the brain during food intake. Hormonal activity is subject to precise regulatory mechanisms, with hormone concentrations varying in a controlled and purposeful manner. However, deficiencies in nutrition or unhealthy dietary habits can disrupt hormonal function and impair the transmission of signals that are essential to maintaining physiological well-being.
The Influence of Physical Activity on Brain Chemistry
Active muscles influence not only the nervous system but also the brain’s chemical state. This refers to messages transmitted via the bloodstream, such as those triggered by endurance training performed at a moderate intensity, which induces a state of physical stress in the body. The hormonal changes resulting from this exertion elevate the activity of the endocrine system to a level appropriate for managing the load. Since the brain regulates this activity, the adaptation to stress that occurs during exercise enhances the brain’s ability to cope with other forms of stress as well. Regular, moderately intensive endurance training also slows cellular aging as a result of reduced stress levels.
Understanding Moderate Intensity
One may ask, what constitutes moderately intensive endurance training? To begin with, it is, by definition, moderate. If one cannot distinguish between moderate and extreme exertion, developing that awareness would be a crucial first step. Moderate intensity occupies the middle ground between high-intensity effort and a relaxed state. This level can often be identified through one's own Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), a self-assessment tool that reflects how intensely the individual feels they are working. RPE, or Relative Perceived Exertion, represents the subjective experience of effort—how the mind interprets the physical and mental demands placed on the body. It is inherently personal and cannot be measured or fully understood by anyone else on one’s behalf.
So, whether you’re lacing up your brand new running shoes or stepping into your worn out ballet slippers, keep these principles in mind the next time you find yourself at the barre—or at the starting line of the Boston Marathon. Integrating this understanding into your practice can bring new depth to your training and help sustain motivation, even during moments when it feels temporarily out of reach.
