Neuroendocrine Adaptation

Why do we train with multi-joint movements, heavy weights and short intervals?  To make hormonal and neurological changes in our bodies that make us better, faster and stronger!

Check out the writing of Greg Glassman the founder of Crossfit and his thoughts of the importance of these important changes that affect they way our bodies develop and perform.

"Neuroendocrine Adaptation" is a change in the body that affects you either neurologically or hormonally. Most important adaptions to exercise are in part or completely a result of a hormonal or neurological shift.  Current research, much of it done by Dr. William Kramer, Penn State University, has show which exercise protocols maximize neuroendocrine responses.  Earlier we faulted isolation movements as being ineffectual.  Now we can tell you that one of the critical elements missing from these movements is that they invoke essentially no neuroendocrine response.
Among the hormonal responses vital to athletic development are substantial increases in testosterone, insulin like growth factor, and human growth hormone.  Exercising with protocols known to elevate theses hormones eerily mimics the hormonal changes sought in exogenous hormonal therapy (steroid use) with non of the deleterious effect.  Exercise regiments that induce a high neuroendocrine response produce champions!  Increased muscle mass and bone density are just two of many adaptive responses to exercise capable of producing a significant neuroendocrine response.
It is impossible to overstate the importance of the neuroendocrine response to exercise protocols.  This is why it is one of the four defining themes of crossfit program.  Heavy load weight training, short rest between sets, high heart rates, high intensity training, a short rest intervals, though not entirely distinct components, are all associated with a high neuroendocrine response.

WOD
Front squat 3x5 add 5 pounds
Dead Lift 5x3
Bench Press 5-3-1
DB Swings 3x8