Many different exercise techniques have been making significant headway in the fitness market ever since the global community acquired a renewed interest and awareness for getting into shape and improving overall well being. Bikram yoga, CrossFit, ultra marathons, and many other types of physical challenges have elevated the levels of conventional exercise techniques from fun and dynamic, to extreme and radical.
Why then are people so attracted to the idea of extreme exercise? Dr. Jeremy Adams, a sports and exercise psychologist said that it is mostly due to the idea of instant gratification that makes extreme exercises so appealing. "It's psychologically more rewarding then plotting away on a treadmill. People get psychological benefits from feeling like they've achieved something." Additionally, Dr. Adams says that these fitness goers are also attracted to the novelty of the idea and the heightened intensity of the challenges in extreme exercising. There is also a bond that tends to be developed between people who practice the same types of fitness regimens.
In another study conducted by the Australian researcher Eric Brymer, he found that the transformative nature of the challenges in extreme exercise is a major mental and emotional draw for many people. He says that people find "A sense of personal liberation" as they begin to break through the mental and physical barriers as they face the daunting task of improving personal health and fitness. It also gives people a renewed sense of control over their lives as they begin to see their personal transformations. Co-author, Dr. Keisha Cutright said that, "what we're finding is that when people are feeling a loss of control, they're particularly likely to go for these high-effort things like very intense workouts because it makes them feel empowered." She added that, "you feel like you're in charge of the desired outcome. You find a certain amount of control over your life, and that feels good."
Experts, however, also advised that there could be potential risks to high-intensity activities such as overheating, dehydration, bruising, as well as more serious complications such as kidney failure and cardiac damage. They are advising people to take the proper precautions if they decide to take part in extreme exercises.