The Stereotype

The sympathetic nervous system is too often looked down upon. We erroneously associate it with hyperactivation from external psychological stressors and the inability to properly get into a “recovery” state.

Without our SNS, we would never cope with any stressor, period. It’s time we start talking about the SNS with respect, as it plays an integral part in optimal performance.

Above is a flow chart of how the SNS activates energy stores during a high intensity workout. The fight or flight response activates a series of cascading events and eventually you have the ability to utilize your energy stores.

Without proper SNS drive, it is possible that optimal activation may not occur. There may be a reduction in HR and systemic excitation. Thus, without a proper functioning SNS, optimal performance is in trouble.

Naturally, this leads to the pendulum swing and overreaction of “be parasympathetic.” Yes, being parasympathetic is useful, but like the SNS the PNS should only be turned on when necessary.

Why Is It Important?

To give the SNS a little more credit, there has been talk about how its activation influences muscular hypertrophy. It is possible that through activation and downstream events, the SNS could be a major catalyst in muscular growth (downstream with b-adrenergic & calcium convergence on Crtc/Creb transcription).

Long story short, don’t look past the SNS. It is not only important, but possibly one of the major factors driving performance and muscle growth.

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