What is the role of cortisol during exercise?

Cortisol plays a crucial role during exercise primarily by helping to mobilize energy stores and manage the stress response associated with physical performance. When you engage in exercise, especially intense or prolonged activity, cortisol is released from the adrenal glands. This hormone facilitates the breakdown of macronutrients for energy, particularly by promoting gluconeogenesis (the generation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources) and the mobilization of fatty acids from adipose tissue.

This mobilization is vital as it provides the necessary energy substrates for working muscles, especially when glycogen stores may be depleted during extended exercise. Additionally, cortisol assists in regulating metabolism and controlling inflammation, which is important for recovery after exercise as well.

In contrast, while fat storage is primarily regulated by insulin, cortisol's role leans more towards energy release rather than storage. The enhancement of aerobic capacity is more closely related to adaptations from consistent training, and the reduction of muscle soreness is a process influenced by other factors, such as post-exercise recovery strategies rather than a direct function of cortisol.