Exercising/Exorcising Emotions

ESVABelle

Anyone ever notice how close those words are? Scary, right?

Anyway, down to business. I'm like a lot of people, when I get angry/upset/aggravated/annoyed/down...I need an outlet. So many people turn to exercise to exorcise their demons. On one hand, I completely agree because I'm guilty of it. On the other, what is that teaching your body about exercise?

After a rough day of work, I need kickboxing. Or some kickass cardio. I need to "burn off some steam". How many times have you said that to yourself?

How about after a lazy day or off day where you indulged in a cheeseburger and loaded fries with ranch (my dream)? Gotta go "burn off those fries!".

I feel like this negative feedback system is harmful. I think the mindset should be - "After a long day of work, I know I've still got energy to get a run in" or "Yesterday was my off day, no regrets. Back to business!"

Exercise should be a POSITIVE experience. It's a life change. It's endorphins. It's blood pumping, body going, strength building, laughing through sweaty tears (because sweat dripping in your eyes makes them water). Exercise YOURSELF. Don't exorcise your emotions.

A run can help clear your head. Kickboxing or aggressive HIIT training can take the edge off a foul mood. But DON'T let your emotions be your motivation. You're doing this for YOU - your health, body AND mind. Don't abuse one to try to absolve the other.

roylawrence87

For me its either the hitting the bag or hitting something. I figure the bag is less self destructive. Emotion is the largest driving factor for most of us.

MyNameIsNotBob

I can see what you're saying, but... if swimming helps me deal with a crappy day at work, it's much better than slamming three beers and eating half a pizza.

minburke

I view cardio as a stress relief but that for me is a positive thing. I love how it releases my stress and is time out.

ESVABelle

I view cardio as a stress relief but that for me is a positive thing. I love how it releases my stress and is time out.

That's pretty much my point. Have a positive outlook to exercise. Not to just view it as the exorcism of "negative" aspects of life.

I look forward to exercise. I'm starting to think I'm a bit addicted. I love it. Crave it. Anticipate it. I can't wait to get off work so I can go work-out. I'm EXCITED about it. But I hear so many people that are just running off last night's beer or running off a hard day at work. They don't run for the love of running or for the love of working out...they just do it to negate the "bad" stuff.