Passion: Finding Balance in Fitness
When we step into a gym—for a group class, a private session, or a solo workout—we usually go in with a specific goal. Yet we rarely speak about our passion for training. People often say they’re passionate about their sport or fitness, but what does "passion" really mean?
According to Richard H. Cox in his book Sport Psychology (2nd ed.), passion is deeply tied to motivation. He defines it as “a strong inclination toward an activity that a person loves, finds important, and devotes time and energy to.” If you look around, you’ll notice many people who invest time and energy into their sport or health—training 3, 4, even 5 times a week. You can follow their progress live on Facebook or Instagram. Their transformations, both physical and mental, are visible. They work hard. We often hear that to achieve our goals, we must invest ourselves, make sacrifices, and prioritize our passion.
But is this passion always healthy? Passion can be divided into two types: harmonious and obsessive.
Obsessive vs Harmonious Passion
Obsessive passion is an inner drive that compels someone to engage in an activity they love, but in a rigid, non-negotiable way. These individuals feel obligated to train, follow strict diets, and adhere to rigid schedules. While they may not complain, this can lead to stress or internal pressure, as well as a focus on external rewards over personal enjoyment. Sometimes this lifestyle becomes so ingrained that they forget why they began in the first place—it simply becomes routine.
Harmonious passion, on the other hand, is defined by autonomy and balance. The individual chooses to engage in the activity because they enjoy it. Their physical pursuits are just one part of who they are, not their entire identity. They can skip a workout or indulge without guilt. Their passion adds to their life, not defines it.
A Healthy Passion
Having healthy habits and engaging in physical activity is clearly beneficial. But doing it out of obligation is not a sustainable solution. The key is to find a healthy passion—a sport or activity that brings joy, fuels engagement, and inspires personal growth without restricting other areas of life. There's no age limit to start a new sport or challenge yourself. More importantly, there’s no need to set strict limitations or fear failure. Just enjoy being active, healthy, and happy.
Social support also plays a major role. Seeing parents involve their kids in sports, or families working out and playing together—that is harmonious passion.
“It is easier to renounce a passion than to master it.” — Friedrich Nietzsche
Maxime Chevrier
Maxime Chevrier is a sports psychology consultant, psychology professor, author, and speaker. A graduate of UQTR in psychology, he also specializes in cognitive training and concussion management. One of the few in Canada with advanced NeuroTracker training, Maxime supports athletes with cognitive tools beneficial for performance, concussion recovery, and ADHD. He is also co-author of Psychopathologie: Une approche intégrée, a textbook used in multiple college and university programs.