It's actually dangerous to exercise if you're in a bad mood, according to science

Bridget Jones exercise bike — (Image credit: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)

Netflix and chill, instead?

Words - Aly Horne

We’ve all been told many times that the key to a balanced, healthy lifestyle is exercise. After all, if there’s one thing Elle Woods taught us, it’s that exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy, and the idea that exercising regularly will keep your mood high is definitely something we’ve all been told a time or twelve by well-meaning friends, family members, or coaches.

What we didn’t know is that while trying to sweat out your stress, frustrations, or overall bad mood might be effective in boosting your morale, it might also be detrimental to your physical health!

A study published in the Heart Association journal suggests that while exercising in a bad mood might fix your mood temporarily, it also might correlate to an increased likelihood of heart attacks. Out of a poll of 12,461 patients who had suffered heart attacks, they found that approximately one out of every seven patients had been upset OR exercised in the hour leading up to their heart attack.

But people were three times more likely to have heart attacks when they were upset AND had participated in a strenuous physical activity within that hour-long window.

So, instead of working out your aggression at the gym when you’re in a particularly crummy mood, consider just relaxing and watching Gilmore Girls revival instead. It might just be the healthiest course of action, after all.

From the editors of Hello Giggles

Holly Rains is the digital editor of Marie Claire UK. She has over 10 years journalism experience, working as an editor and writer, specialising in digital media, content strategy and dog breeds. Prior to Marie Claire, she has held senior staff positions at ELLE UK, Grazia and Company magazine.

Holly is a frequent speaker, panelist and interviewer on a range of subjects including media trends, careers and entertainment. From working with Reuters to provide global red carpet coverage for events like the BAFTAs, to discussing fashion and beauty trends on network TV, she was also the host of the Marie Claire series ‘Holly’s First Dates’, where she regularly interviewed a mix of inspiring woman and A-list celebrities (including Jack Black, Dakota Fanning and Renée Zellweger) - a series which garnered half a million views in its first two months. And was approved by The Rock.

Her love of office-based meetings means that the days of discovering the melting point of Cadbury's Flakes are long gone, but when she isn't dreaming of scheduling in meetings, she likes to think about social media, and how best to avoid it whilst still retaining the title of 'digital' editor. She also likes learning about emerging technology, Influencers and how to become a Financially Responsible Adult.

Contact Holly: holly.rains@futurenet.com