Intentional stress has an upside.
What’s happening: A new study revealed the impact of CrossFit and underwater training program Deep End Fitness on stress tolerance.
- Both CrossFit and Deep End Fitness reduced psychological stress by ~24%.
- CrossFit effectively lowered depression, while Deep End Fitness reduced anxiety.
- Practicing breath holds and underwater immersion improved problem-based coping.
Developed by US military special operators, Deep End Fitness’s programs leverage breathwork for better top-down control and focus during high-stress “hunger for air” moments.
Researchers say the sense of belonging and community within both workouts also helped — affirming previous findings showing run clubs’ effectiveness as antidepressants.
Why it matters: 970M people are affected by mental health disorders worldwide, 87% of Gen Zers report mental well-being struggles, and severe stress is becoming the norm.
High-performing athletes aren’t immune, with up to 35% suffering from anxiety, depression, burnout, or disordered eating.
Reframing fitness as a tool for enhancing physiological and psychological stress response—as much as muscular strength—can support healthier outcomes.
Punchline: Stress is inescapable, but resilience may be trainable. By microdosing controlled challenges, we can build tolerance for tough times and perform better under pressure.
