Rage workouts are the latest fitness trend, with classes encouraging participants to channel their anger through intense physical activities such as pummelling tractor tyres with sledgehammers. However, experts warn that this approach may not be as cathartic as it seems.
The Rise of Angry Exercise
In Knoxville, Tennessee, a rage room HIIT class allows attendees to take out frustrations on ropes, punchbags, and tyres. Meanwhile, in Newcastle, England, a feminine rage class involves screaming with anger while punching and lunging. Participant Lauren Peters described the experience as 'guttural and loud and emotional and exactly what we all need'.
But Does It Work?
Despite the popularity, research suggests that physically venting anger can actually increase it. A 2002 study by Brad Bushman of Iowa State University found that people who hit inanimate objects when angry are essentially 'practising how to behave aggressively'. The study indicated that catharsis is a poor way to release anger.
A Better Alternative?
Bushman's research showed that the least angry participants were those in a control group who simply sat quietly for two minutes instead of hitting anything. This suggests that doing nothing at all may be more effective than rage workouts.
So, while rage workouts might provide a temporary emotional release, they could ultimately leave you more frustrated. Perhaps it's time to consider a different approach to managing anger.
