The challenge for Wednesday is to increase your serotonin. Here’s what you need to know about serotonin: it’s a monoamine neurotransmitter biochemically derived from tryptophan and synthesized primarily in the enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal tract, but also in serotonergic neurons of the central nervous system. It is metabolized to 5-HIAA by the liver, which…just kidding. Come back.
Here’s what you actually need to know about serotonin: if you’re in a funk, it will drag you out of your funk. If you’re doing alright, it helps increase and then maintain your sense of well being.
Two things to raise serotonin levels without drugs? Exercise and sunshine. Wednesday’s forecast is for sunny skies all day, and it’s a day for squats. Our Wednesday challenge, then, is to do 5 sets of 20 squats, outside. Try to spread these sets out throughout the day. If you have to get up out of your chair and go down 3 flights of stairs to make your way outside, that’s great. Think of them as sunshine breaks with 20 squats thrown in.
Go get them done, sunshine, and let us know. Your appreciations of the sunshine are most welcome in the comments.
28 responses to “Wed. – 1/21 Squats for Seratonin”
Anushka
January 21st, 2015 at 13:22
Done on a bench outside of the cafeteria- sun, thank you.
Jammie
January 21st, 2015 at 14:28
I love these challenges!!!! Squats for serotonin…i LIVE
eunicehcho
January 21st, 2015 at 15:25
Done…1 set on the MARTA platform, the others outside my office. The sun is lovely.
Lisa
January 21st, 2015 at 15:25
Done throughout the day in the front yard, once accompanied by a stray cat. Last set done on my afternoon break. Think I’ll just hang out on the porch for a bit and take a nap. Sunshine love!
Chris
January 21st, 2015 at 16:33
Done & loved it enough to do 40 extra. Yay sunshine!!
glo
January 21st, 2015 at 20:16
That’s the spirit! 🙂
TK
January 21st, 2015 at 17:05
Done
Cindy Lutenbacher
January 21st, 2015 at 17:39
Yup, done in the backyard. The dogs all figured I actually planned to play with them or rub bellies.
Daniel
January 21st, 2015 at 20:57
Done! This was the best challenge day yet for me. The sun made a real difference with my whole day.
researchjen
January 21st, 2015 at 21:37
Done! I even got 2 of my friends to join me for a set in the middle of Emory campus! -Jen
glo
January 21st, 2015 at 21:56
Done. And spent some quality time with the foam roller. That IT band struggle is real…
xochitlbervera
January 21st, 2015 at 22:03
Done!
Everette
January 21st, 2015 at 22:04
Done! Team Deadlift!!!
Zahta
January 21st, 2015 at 22:10
Done under the moonshine. #teamHotDamn
msullivan574
January 21st, 2015 at 22:33
Got it done! On the wire. Good thing the sun is staying out later and later!
msullivan574
January 21st, 2015 at 22:34
#teamHotDamn!
Dean_La_Soul
January 21st, 2015 at 22:41
Did my squats w/ 40 pound barbell.
Go Team Revolutionary Runners!!!
Bri
January 21st, 2015 at 22:43
Done!
Jocelyn
January 21st, 2015 at 22:50
Done. I was too busy to squat in the sunshine, but I thoroughly enjoy doing them in the moonlight!
Ashley
January 21st, 2015 at 22:52
Done. Moonlit squats.
Monaco Jones
January 21st, 2015 at 23:18
Today was a perfect day to do squats outside. Finished mine with some dumbbells.
Roan
January 21st, 2015 at 23:36
Done!
Taliba Obuya
January 22nd, 2015 at 00:05
100 squats did that, with an amazing beautiful sex partner, who eventually got her form right! (Love you, baby).
t
efiada77
January 22nd, 2015 at 00:30
Almost didn’t get these in, but I got some quality time with my newest little nephew (that may have been dopamine!) and plenty of serotonin from the sunshine but did my squats indoors.
Alsie
January 22nd, 2015 at 00:44
most in the sun some in the moon. making the time. revolutionary runners!
Tif
January 22nd, 2015 at 01:06
Late but done
Holiday
January 22nd, 2015 at 01:08
Been done. Forgot to post. 3 sets were weighted, 25lbs each arm. 2 sets outside. 1 mile swim.
Cecilia
January 22nd, 2015 at 02:25
I didn’t get to play with the sun as it was hidding, allowing for the DC snow to come down upon us… But I got ’em done! Maybe even an extra set since I lost count throughout the day.