Exercise can lead to oversharing

Date

12.30.19 More info+

Schedule workout dates strategically.

The science:

You’re more likely to share personal information with others during exercise than you are at rest, according to a new study.

Researchers came to this conclusion by having a group of participants jog for one minute, then asking them if they’d be willing to talk about an embarrassing experience. Nearly 60 percent of them shared such a story compared to 44 percent in the group who hadn’t exercised.

Expert insight:

When you work out, your brain is focused on regulating things like your limbic system (emotions, motivation) and coordination, explains study author Brent Coker, Ph.D., consumer psychologist at the University of Melbourne in Australia. This, combined with the fact that increased blood flow and endorphins make you physiologically aroused, consumes more brain power.

In that state, your mind defaults to making automatic responses, causing you to share information that you typically try to conceal, like insecurities or fears.

The bottom line:

To build a stronger bond with your workout partner, opt for a self-led run or strength session rather than a group fitness class to allow for conversation.

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Exercise can lead to oversharing

12.30.19

More info+

Schedule workout dates strategically.

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