Amazing research regarding intense training with firsthand experience + dopamine question

So recently I started doing high intensity interval training (HIIT) and it appears I am reaping some positive rewards. First things first, for those who do not know, the workout is simply this: do something vigorously, then rest for a short amount of time and then repeat. The version of HIIT i decided to go for is: 30 seconds I sprint as fast as possible then go for 45 seconds active rest (running very slowly but you must not stop and rest). I repeat this for a total of 4 times, then proceed for 5 minutes light running and then repeat the whole thing. When I get in better shape I will make sure increase the workload.

This is a very tough workout and the point is really to push yourself to the limit in each of these 30 seconds intervals, without thinking of the incoming 30-seconds intervals. If you want to know more about this type of workout, just google HIIT. Basically, you give your very best in each set and you ride your capabilities to the edge of the abyss. When you complete the workout, you feel both like crap and content for completing a tough workout.

I noticed my morning erections are becoming stronger although they are still not there (I have PIED and PIED is probably my last step in the entire recovery). This is important because I have been lifting and doing steady state 10k running sessions (3 running sessions and three lifting sessions a week) with not much success in curing PIED.

But within a week of HIIT, things are already starting to get better. If you are not convinced, read the link below. You will (among other things) notice author mentions increase in GABA, which according to YBOP goes really low during the reboot and is one of the culprits of flatline crappy feelings.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/02/160225101241.htm

So I will continue doing HIIT and will write back here regarding my progress.

One more thing - since working out vigorously helps increase dopamine (this was said in another article), what would happen if I stop working out? Would my dopamine levels decrease or will they remain based on recent activity, assuming no relapse, PMO, etc?

 

So I have been working out hard for the past three week or so. Definitely there are improvements, morning wood has reappeared although not on the level it should be. But three weeks is a very short amount of time and it really looks like tough workouts help. I really wonder what will happen within next three weeks.

Will post an update

 

Frankly, I disagree with Big Lebowski (although I love the movie). Yes, any form of exercise might not be suited for one person or another, but I just googled your post and found this article:

https://www.medicaldaily.com/high-i...fective-fitness-trend-its-not-everyone-336448

Sure, if you overtrain you will backfire but I would not expect anyone here to both go 4 HIITs per week PLUS 4 weight lifting sessions per week.

I still highly recommend HIIT for recovery, I would only add that if you are workout novice you might want to get in shape first before moving on to HIIT.

UPDATE: Not that I disagree with the idea, but wording regarding central nervous system sounds very harsh. I would just say "fatigue".

 

From my personal experience, real benefits started with HIIT. As I already said, I have been working out for months with ordinary workouts and no major benefits occurred. Many athletes do HIIT exercise and they are fine - actually they are doing great.

No matter whether you are recovering from addiction or not, I would say that HIIT really helps for both. I would highly recommend it to anyone.

 

How is everyone doing?

On top of workouts I have also added L-Tyrosine into my diet and things are improving. Morning wood is finally coming back, my mood is overall considerably greater and I did not have negativity attacks for quite a while. I cannot say I am fully recovered but things are improving!

I am also planning on adding cocoa powder and dark chocolate into my diet. I guess workouts and L-Tyrosine work very well together!