Multiple outlets report that public concern persists that high-intensity or long-duration workouts raise cortisol, the body’s stress hormone. Experts interviewed across the articles explain that cortisol does respond to physical demand, but the increase is not automatically evidence of harmful “stress.” They note that cortisol also plays roles in normal metabolism and energy mobilisation during exercise. Whether cortisol rises more with intense workouts can depend on factors such as workout intensity, duration, an individual’s fitness level, sleep, nutrition, and recovery. The coverage also highlights that cortisol is part of the body’s adaptive response: a temporary rise can support performance and recovery when followed by adequate rest. Some experts emphasise that persistent elevations—associated with inadequate recovery or chronic stress—are a different concern from short-term changes after training. Overall, the sources converge on the idea that cortisol levels are context-dependent and that interpreting them requires looking at exercise patterns and recovery, not only the immediate hormone response.