Why crying at the gym is normal according to experts

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Some people work up a sweat and work out for hours in the gym, while others find it easier to cry. If you've ever found yourself crying at the gym, you're not alone, and experts share the reasons why.

- Stress

If someone is experiencing stress or going through a difficult time during a workout an emotional release can occur. "It's a very normal thing if you're going through a period of stress. It could be anything: family stress, work stress, changes in a romantic relationship, etc.," says sports psychologist Brad Foltz. "Having an emotional response during exercise is not a bad thing," he added.

The gym is where people can have "me time" away from distractions. "Training in the gym, you don't have your phone, kids or work to distract you. "Because you're eliminating these distractions, it creates a space in your brain to focus on the emotions," adds Foltz.

-Happiness

Not only do you release pent-up feelings, but crying at the gym leads to the production of endorphins that can even bring on tears of joy. Endorphins are hormones released by the body during pleasurable experiences such as exercise, massage, eating or sex. "Simply exercising, or completing a workout, can lead to pride and satisfaction," says Cleveland Clinic sports psychologist Matthew Sacco.

- Fatigue

Being tired during a training session can cause you to cry at the gym. "When your body or mind gets tired, that's when you start to feel different kinds of emotions, good and bad," fitness expert Janine Delaney told Well + Good.

-The benefits of crying

Crying releases endorphins, as well as other feel-good hormones such as oxytocin. Crying calms the body by activating the nervous system, while acting as a pain reliever and mood enhancer.

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Source: New York Post