Updated: May 26, 2017
Originally Published: May 25, 2017
Thank goodness! There’s a steep hill in my life that has heard more curse words than a late-night diner. So, as I unleash a torrent of expletives while struggling to climb, I can now confidently believe it’s contributing to my strength. A recent study shared at the British Psychological Society’s annual meeting suggests just that, and I’m all in on this claim.
Led by researcher Jamie Carter from Keele University in the UK, the study assessed athletes’ performance during brief yet intense cycling sessions. Another group was tasked with squeezing a hand grip to test their strength. Interestingly, the first group saw an astonishing 8% improvement when they yelled profanity like “damn it!” compared to those using neutral terms such as “book.” This study is currently undergoing peer review, so stay tuned for more insights.
Participants were allowed to select their favorite curse words, and honestly, mine would likely have been something unexpected like “snickerdoodle” or “flapdoodle” for a humorous twist. It’s fascinating to ponder whether scientists had side bets on who would crack a smile first during those sweat-inducing moments filled with colorful language. I’d probably have lost that wager, which is likely why I’m not in the scientific field.
Moreover, one can’t help but wonder how funding for research on swearing is secured. There’s probably an enthusiastic researcher out there crafting proposals to secure grants for studying terms like “fartknocker” and “silly goose,” which sounds like a dream job.
Carter, the same researcher behind earlier findings that swearing can elevate heart rates and enhance pain tolerance, builds on this knowledge with the new exercise study. He hypothesized that swearing would trigger our fight or flight response during intense physical activity—a theory that awaits further exploration. “The exact mechanisms behind why swearing boosts strength and pain endurance remain to be uncovered,” Carter noted. As long as it’s effective, I’m on board.
I truly believe in the power of cursing. It can provide that much-needed emphasis during challenging experiences, whether it’s enduring the pain of a workout or navigating through life’s difficulties. Perhaps we should consider a new yoga class dedicated to those who embrace colorful language. For now, I’m grateful for the researchers who are exploring these significant topics, damn it!
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In summary, swearing during exercise may have surprising benefits, including enhancing strength and pain tolerance. This research opens the door to understanding how our language impacts physical performance, providing a fresh perspective on both fitness and expression.