History Main / WorkingOutTheirEmotions

This method is particularly helpful for a few characters, mostly those who can't or don't want to express their emotions in a "weak" way. "Macho" men, for example, may find emotion to be a weakness, and so deal with it through physical activity, because beating up a punching-bag or doing sprints around the track is a lot manlier than letting their feelings show. That said, this trope can apply to any sort of character, regardless of how "tough" they usually are.

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** This turns into a trend, when chapter 66 shows that she's broken one ''again'' - for similar reasons. Natasha informs her that breaking punchbags is beginner level, and instead offers to spar with her. And by 'spar', she means 'kick the crap out of her for half an hour'. It's successful in burning off the angry chemicals.

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* ''Franchise/MarvelCinematicUniverse'':
** ''Film/TheAvengers2012'': Steve Rogers' first scene shows him working out on a punching bag in an empty gym, interspersed with [[ShellShockedVeteran World War II]] {{Flashback}}s from [[Film/CaptainAmericaTheFirstAvenger his first film]], until he [[SuperStrength completely destroys the bag]].

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* In ''The O'Sullivan Twins'' (the second book from the ''Literature/StClares'' series), Margery Fenworthy is an angsty teen and her anger and frustration is described in these words: "She plays games and does gym as if she was fighting someone all the time."

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* ''Series/{{Dexter}}'': Dexter's adoptive sister Debra survives a kidnapping from a serial killer (who was also her fiancé and kidnapped her as a bait for Dexter who is his long-lost biological brother). After that, she can't be alone and she's unable to do anything except working out obsessively.

** Season 3 reveals that Mara, known for being an unathletic nerd, takes out her anger in work-out sessions in her bedroom. This comes as a surprise to the other girls, who find her furious weight-lifting to be rather funny and unusual.

* ''Series/{{Smallville}}'': Tess is often seem training or practicing some sport or martial art [[KingpinInHisGym in the Luthor Manor]]. In "[[Recap/SmallvilleS08E04Instinct Instinct]]" she tells Chloe she does it because it "focuses her anger".

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* This is a fairly common way people work out their stress. Getting enough exercise will build a healthier body and vastly reduces the chance of future heart problems. A healthier body can also build self-confidence, which further reduces stress.

->''"'''1510.''' When you're angry, take a thirty-minute walk; when you're really angry, chop some firewood."''

* In ''WesternAnimation/SheRaAndThePrincessesOfPower'', the Horde ''strongly'' discourages any signs of weakness, including displays of emotion or illness. So, hitting things or training are the only viable options if one can't keep it together.

* Morgan from ''Literature/{{Sanctuary}}'' deals with stressful situations by cleaning and organizing almost everything in the house. After Holly's InterrupedSuicide, Vinnie calms Morgan down by having them wash dishes.

* ''Literature/DaystarAndShadow'': Robin deals with what he calls brain-burners when his mind races out of control and he starts to retreat inside himself, by sprinting a few miles until he's burned off the excess energy. He teaches Shadow to do the same.

* ''Literature/MoDaoZuShi'' has a scene in which Lan Wangji kisses a blindfolded Wei Wuxian. He backs away before the blindfold can be removed and when it is, all Wei Wuxian notices is Lan Wangji punching trees. This is extremely abnormal as the latter doesn't outwardly express his emotions and Wei Wuxian's [[FailedASpotCheck inability to connect the dots]] makes the situation all the worse.

* ''Series/{{SchittsCreek}}'': Alexis Rose often goes for a run to deal with her emotions, including once after her mother casually talked about her ex and his new girlfriend, she impulsively does so in a day dress and heels.

* ''Series/{{Supernatural}}'': Season 6 has Sam, having returned from {{Hell}}, apparently dealing with his trauma by working out and spending time with prostitutes. Turns out, [[spoiler Sam returned from Hell without his soul so in fact, he has no emotions to work out.]]

* ''Series/{{Supernatural]]'': Season 6 has Sam, having returned from {{Hell}}, apparently dealing with his trauma by working out and spending time with prostitutes. Turns out, [[spoiler Sam returned from Hell without his soul so in fact, he has no emotions to work out.]]