This Study Claims That If You Share Your Fitness Routine On Facebook, You Have Psychological Issues

It's a running joke that you don't really do CrossFit unless you post about it on social media, and if you've never had the misfortune of being on the receiving end of these daily workout posts/pictures/videos from a Facebook friend, we envy you. (Though sometimes it's a nice break from your racist aunt's political rants.) 

We get it — posting workout updates on Facebook is a good a way to keep track of your progress and form a sense of community with people who share your interest in fitness. But did you know that a new study found that you've probably got some psychological issues if you're constantly talking about your workout on Facebook?

Research from experts at Brunel University in London found that people who document their fitness routines on social media tend to be narcissists.

"Narcissists more frequently updated about their achievements, which was motivated by their need for attention and validation from the Facebook community," the study said. "These updates also received a greater number of 'likes' and comments, indicating that narcissists' boasting may be reinforced by the attention they crave."

These types of posts indicate that the people who write/upload them are using Facebook to "broadcast the effort they put into their physical appearance," the researchers found.

But if these workout posts are so obnoxious, you might be wondering, Why do my weight-lifting timelapses and running maps get so many likes and comments on them?

Dr. Tara Marshall, a psychology lecturer involved in the study, said in general people write posts on Facebook because the likes and comments make them feel socially accepted, so you're not wrong for feeling that way. But a lot of said likes and comments doesn't necessarily indicate that your Facebook friends appreciate seeing your daily fitness updates; they may just be acting civil for the sake of your friendship.

"Although our results suggest that narcissists' bragging pays off because they receive more likes and comments to their status updates, it could be that their Facebook friends politely offer support while secretly disliking such egotistical displays," Marshall said. (Awkward.) 

A pro tip: if you want to brag about your workout on social media, do so in a Facebook group of other fitness enthusiasts so you don't drive your IRL friends nuts.