Endorphins play a significant role during continuous exercise primarily by blocking pain messages from reaching brain cells. This natural response helps to reduce the perception of pain, which can allow individuals to push through discomfort and continue exercising. Additionally, endorphins contribute to the feeling of euphoria, often referred to as the "runner's high," which can improve mood and encourage longer durations of physical activity.
While endorphins may indirectly influence some of the other listed functions (such as mood enhancement potentially leading to better metabolic performance), their primary role during continuous exercise is pain modulation.