To tackle anger, grief, stress, and even heartbreak, many are opting for ‘fast and furious’ workouts to release emotional pain and feel lighter
There is a new workout in town, one where the sounds of dumbbells hitting the floor are loud and clear. Welcome to the era of rage workouts, where your 9-to-5 stress meets a 45-minute sweaty workout that leaves you feeling light.
As hustle culture pushes us further in the direction of burnout and the brink of insanity, a new breed of fitness routines is punching back to the finish line. Crossfit, boxing, HIIT and slam ball workouts are increasingly being used to process anger, stress, grief and even heartbreak.
Yoga = Calm + Control
A growing number of gyms are marketing classes like “RageFit,” “Beast Mode,” and “Fight Club Fridays” as tools for emotional release. While these may sound like something out of a Fast & Furious script, there’s real science behind the sweat. Physical exertion helps release built-up tension, especially when it’s intense, fast-paced, and aggressive.
Anger is often vilified, but it’s a normal response to pressure, injustice, or frustration. The problem arises when we suppress it or let it leak out in unhealthy ways that can cause problems for us later on. “I used to do yoga to feel better, but lately, I need to hit something,” says Mansi Rao (29), a digital marketer. “After back-to-back Zoom calls and a client ghosting me on a deadline, there’s something cathartic about boxing a heavy bag. It’s like my rage has a purpose.”
Punching Thro Pain
“People come in furious at work, heartbroken, grieving, even bored. I’ve had clients cry mid-workout. This is no longer just about calories — it’s about catharsis,” says gym trainer Gaurav Singh.
His studio recently introduced “Smash Sundays,” a class that involves flipping tires, sledgehammer drills, and yes, slam balls. “It’s about giving people a space to feel powerful again,” he adds. “To release whatever they’re holding in.”
What’s also shifting is the “why” behind people’s fitness goals. “Earlier, clients would say, ‘I want to lose belly fat.’ Now it’s more
like, ‘I want to feel in control,’” says Nalini Thomas, a gym trainer. “It’s not about physical perfection anymore. It’s about emotional power. Not power over others — power over your state of mind.”
Routing Rage
However, not everyone is sold on anger-fuelled workouts. Some people prefer peace to help them process certain emotions. “While these workouts can be useful tools, they shouldn’t become emotional crutches,” cautions Dr. Shalini Mehta, a clinical psychologist.
The key is to check in with yourself to better understand how you feel currently. Are you using workouts to get rid of stress and anger, or are you using them to suppress them? Does the workout leave you feeling lighter or more wound up? If you’re feeling emotionally stretched or constantly annoyed, a rage workout could be worth a try. But make sure it’s safe and balanced with a guided session that doesn’t let you go overboard. CrossFit, HIIT, boxing, or circuit training are workouts to let you feel lighter, they shouldn’t feel like a punishment.
