CrossFit Vs. Aerobic and Anaerobic (Bodybuilding) Exercises

This study explored the link between passion for exercise and the risk of exercise addiction (REA) among aerobic, anaerobic, and CrossFit practitioners using exercise dependence and four-phase models. Participants (N = 424; 60.8% female; M age = 38.29 ± 9.71 years) were recruited from fitness centers and social media. The sample included 234 CrossFit, 126 aerobic, and 64 anaerobic exercisers. Data were collected via Qualtrics, using demographic questions, the Exercise Addiction Inventory-3 (EAI-3), and the Passion Scale. CrossFit participants had the highest exercise frequency and intensity, with greater REA prevalence (25.2%) than anaerobic (15.6%) and aerobic (14.3%) groups. Gender differences showed females had a stronger emotional connection to exercise and higher withdrawal symptoms. Passion strongly correlated with REA (r = .55). Findings highlight the need for further research to differentiate passion-driven exercise from addiction.