Cortisol is a hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands when stressed, either physically or mentally. It regulates the way the body utilizes energy, decreases swelling, and regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Cortisol is both helpful and detrimental to endurance athletes. It is helpful in that it supplies them with energy for long activities, but excessive intake over an extended period of time—usually from overtraining or poor sleep—is bad because it contributes to slow recovery, loss of muscle, and an impaired immune system. Testing for cortisol (or examining for symptoms) can inform athletes when they need a rest period or need to decrease training. Regulating cortisol is quite key in being in endurance sport for extended periods.
1 Word. Every Saturday. That’s it!
Master your Endurance Knowledge!
