Bournemouth AC News

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Oxford scientists probe group training patterns

*22/6/09 It's official, group exercise is less painful - Scientists at Oxford University have discovered that group training releases higher levels of pain relieving hormone endorphin than solitary exercise meaning that athletes training together can withstand a higher level of intensity.

The BBC reports, "A team from Oxford University carried out tests on 12 rowers after a vigorous workout in a virtual boat. Those who trained alone withstood less pain - a key measure of endorphins - than those who exercised together. They [Endorphins] have a protective effect against pain.

After 45 minutes of either rowing separately or in a team of six, the researchers measured their pain threshold by how long they could tolerate an inflated blood pressure cuff on the arm.

Exercise increased both groups' ability to tolerate pain, but the difference was significantly more pronounced among the team rowers. This, they said, was a measure of an increased endorphin release.

'The results suggest that endorphin release is significantly greater in group training than in individual training even when power output, or physical exertion, remains constant,' said lead author Emma Cohen.

Carole Seheult, a sport and exercise psychologist from the British Psychological Society, said 'generally we know from experience that exercising in groups is good for people at many levels, it's motivational, it's social. Groups sessions really do work.'

The distance runners at Bournemouth Athletic club meet at the Kings Park athletics track on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6pm. The training sessions cater for all abilities and we regularly regroup making the sessions popular not only with our own members, but also those from other clubs who are also welcome.

A general session plan is available to download and the flexibility is always there to include those wanting a general run or who want to do more or less miles.


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