Media mention: Kinesiology professor quoted in Women's Health Magazine, MyFitnessPal website

If you're looking for an extra boost of energy, turn to a quick bout of exercise before turning to a cup of coffee, says a College of Education kinesiology professor.

Patrick J. O'Connor was recently quoted in Women's Health magazine for his research showing the energizing effects of exercise when compared with caffeine. "Exercise releases the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, as well as histamine, all of which are linked to feeling more energized," he said in the story, which was published earlier this month.

The article pared his research with several exercises meant to underscore the benefits of quick workouts.

Also, MyFitnessPal.com included expertise fro O'Connor in an article about feeling happier from exercise. Although the connection between exercise and mood is not well understood, O'Connor said it could be changes in the brain that take place during and after exercise. Read the full story on the MyFitnessPal website.