Rage workouts: the best way to exercise - or just infuriating?
The Guardian • • general
Key Points:
- Rage workouts involve channeling anger into physical exercise, such as hitting tractor tyres with sledgehammers or participating in classes where participants scream and punch to release frustration.
- Rage rooms, where people pay to smash objects like ceramics and appliances, have gained popularity but are costly and require cleanup, leading some to prefer rage workouts as an alternative.
- Research by Brad Bushman indicates that physically venting anger by hitting objects actually increases aggression, suggesting that such cathartic activities may worsen anger rather than alleviate it.
- The study found that the most effective way to reduce anger is to do nothing and remain calm, as participants who sat quietly were less angry than those who engaged in aggressive physical acts.
- Despite the appeal of rage workouts, evidence suggests that avoiding aggressive responses and practicing calmness may be a better method for managing anger.
