From Tradition to High-Intensity: Examining the Psychological and Emotional Impacts of Exercise Types

Submission Deadline: 31 January 2026 View: 706 Submit to Special Issue

Guest Editors

Dr. Ye Hoon Lee

Email: leeye22@o365.hufs.ac.kr

Affiliation: Division of Global Sport Industry, Hankuk University of Foreign Studies, Seoul, 130-791, South Korea

Homepage:

Research Interests: emotional intelligence; physical education; burnout

Dr. Heetae Cho

Email: htcho@g.skku.edu

Affiliation: Department of Sport Science, Sunkyunkwan University, Seoul, 641-751, Republic of Korea

Homepage:

Research Interests: Sport and performance psychology

Summary

This special issue explores the evolving landscape of exercise practices and their distinct psychological and emotional effects on individuals. As fitness trends shift from traditional modalities (e.g., yoga, tai chi) to high-intensity regimens (e.g., HIIT, CrossFit), understanding how these practices influence mental health, motivation, and emotional resilience becomes critical. This interdisciplinary collection invites research on the bidirectional relationship between exercise types and psychological well-being, addressing how cultural, physiological, and contextual factors shape outcomes. Submissions may investigate stress reduction, anxiety management, self-perception, or the role of social dynamics in exercise adherence.

Key Themes for Submission:
· Mind-Body Synergy in Traditional Practices: How mindfulness-based exercises (yoga, qigong) foster emotional regulation and cognitive clarity.
· Adrenaline and Achievement in High-Intensity Training: Psychological responses to HIIT, including euphoria, burnout, or addictive behaviors.
· Exercise as Therapy: Comparative efficacy of aerobic vs. resistance training in alleviating depression or PTSD symptoms.
· Cultural Narratives of Movement: Sociocultural perceptions of "ideal" exercise and their emotional implications across demographics.
· The Psychology of Routine: Motivational drivers and barriers in sustaining long-term exercise habits.
· Technology and Emotional Engagement: Impacts of gamified workouts (e.g., VR fitness) on motivation and mental health.
· Age-Specific Emotional Outcomes: Contrasting effects of exercise types on adolescents (self-esteem) vs. older adults (cognitive decline prevention).
· Personalized Exercise Prescriptions: Tailoring modalities to individual psychological profiles for optimal mental health benefits.
· Contributors are encouraged to blend empirical research with theoretical insights, emphasizing practical applications for clinicians, trainers, and policymakers. Submissions may employ qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methodologies to illuminate the nuanced interplay between movement and mental states. This issue aims to redefine exercise as not merely physical exertion but a transformative psychological experience.

Keywords

Published Papers