I have been lifting weights for a few years and recently got back into running. I use exercise to support my mental health and I’ve observed something interesting. I always experience that runner’s high after a run, but I don’t seem to get the same endorphin rush after strength training.
Has anyone else noticed this? And do you know why it might be? I’m just curious.
It is just a different kind of workout. If you are really craving that feeling, try adding a “finisher” to the end of your strength workouts, something that gets you working intensely for a short period. For example, you could do a challenge like “see how many heavy kettlebell swings I can complete in 5 minutes” or “how many pushups and inverted rows can I do in 5 minutes.” This provides some additional accessory work that still benefits your strength training, but it also has a good chance of giving you that “I just worked hard” feeling you get from running.
I experience the same thing. It seems to require high-intensity, high-impact cardio. I’m curious if the impact aspect plays a significant role in triggering endorphins.
Oh, that is an interesting angle I hadn’t thought of before!
I have noticed the same thing! I get a runner’s high from running, but not as much from strength training. It might be related to the type of endorphin release or the different kinds of stress each activity places on the body.
I will take a different perspective. Running feels like torture to me, while I absolutely love lifting. I can spend hours at the gym lifting weights and feel fantastic. No matter how much I run, it always feels difficult.
I feel the same whenever I run. 
Yeah, strength training does not give me a positive feeling unless I hit a personal record. I am pretty sure that’s how it’s supposed to work. Running is pretty much the only thing that gives me a high; even other forms of cardio usually don’t.
Same here! I often need to run for a bit first because the endorphins help me with my strength training.
Oh, I could not switch between the two like that. Cardio and strength training don’t mix for me. When I run, I go into autopilot mode and enjoy not thinking about anything. But when I’m strength training, I’m intensely focused on the feeling and visualizing my goals.
Those hour-long Les Mills cardio programs like Attack and Combat, or a longer run, yes! They give me such a high, making me feel like I’m walking on air and leaving me in a great mood afterward.
Weights, on the other hand, never.
I am always in a significantly better mood after. For me, it correlates with how much I challenged myself.