- American researchers analyzed data from more than 10,000 people
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The calories burned and endorphins released from even a gentle jog have long been a proven boon to health.
But now jogging is facing its toughest headline since Jim Fixx – credited with sparking the global running revolution – dropped dead of a heart attack while out for his morning jog in 1984.
Because jogging can make people angry and more aggressive because it is repetitive and boring, a new study shows.
US researchers, who analyzed data on more than 10,000 people, say runners should ditch their trainers and take up yoga or aerobics if they want to be less angry.
Dr. Sophie Kjaervik, who led the study at Ohio State University, said: ‘The discovery was quite a surprise. We expected that activities such as boxing would increase anger, but not jogging.
US researchers, who analyzed data on more than 10,000 people, say runners should ditch their trainers and take up yoga or aerobics if they want to be less angry. (Stock image.)
‘Popular wisdom suggests that running reduces anger and aggression, but it doesn’t. Running is good for your heart, but it’s not good for anger management. We found that jogging in particular increased anger.
‘This may be because it involves repetitive movements which can be monotonous and lead to boredom or frustration, increasing the likelihood of experiencing anger.
“Some individuals may also feel that they have less control during jogging exercises, which can lead to feelings of anger.”
The team analyzed worldwide research data on sports and leisure activities and their links with anger management.
Analysis from 154 studies involving 10,189 men and women were included. Activities ranged from kickboxing, punching a bag and shooting a paintball gun to cycling, swimming and yoga.
Levels of anger, aggression and hostility were measured in questionnaires.
Participants had to agree or disagree with statements such as: ‘I sometimes feel like a powder keg ready to explode’ and ‘with enough provocation I can hit another person’.
Results show that jogging and stair climbing significantly increased anger, while ball games and aerobic exercises had a calming effect.
Yoga, meditation and similar activities were also calming because they reduce physiological arousal.
High levels of arousal trigger the so-called ‘fight or flight’ response and increase both stress levels and the likelihood of anger.
The researchers, writing in Clinical Psychology Review, said: ‘We found that decreasing physiological arousal can reduce anger and aggression, supporting the notion that turning down the heat can reduce heat.
“Our findings suggest that while regular physical activity has many health benefits, it does not have anger management benefits.”