Hormones are a lot like eating, some of the food tastes bad, some good, but you need all of it. Sometimes you need more dairy, sometimes you need less grains, but you need every food group in some dose. I have little knowledge about the wide rainbow of hormones secreted from your body, so I will only try to shed light on a couple important items related to exercise and performance.

When you #TrainBIG, there are two main types of muscularly related hormones: hormones that build up muscle and hormones that breakdown muscle. These are known as anabolic and catabolic hormones respectively. Testosterone is an example of an anabolic hormone because it builds muscle up (anabolic steroids), while the hormone cortisol tears it down.

Functionally, both anabolic and catabolic hormones have advantageous effects toward the body, although the majority of attention goes to the anabolic side of the process. Think of these hormones as the marines, the catabolic boot camp drill sergeant breaks you down so the anabolic platoon leader can build you to best fit the need of his/her squad.

Catecholamines (epinephrine, dopamine, norepinephrine, etc.) act as the “jump starter” to optimal performance. When catecholamines are pumped out in substantial doses, acute expression of strength and power rise. This explains rookies in the sport that perform above and beyond their perceived capabilities and is also why so many world records are set at the Olympics. To put it simply, athletes are “jacked” up.

Catecholamines can be controlled, which is why the proper competition mindset is vital for the development of success. If you are excited, nervous, pumped, etc for competition, your body physiologically reacts. It is your body and you can control what happens. The opportunity for optimal performance happens from the top down…when you get your mind right, everything else below responds accordingly.

Schaudt is out!