Science Explains Why Swearing Increases Strength and Endurance During Workouts.

According to ТСН: Researchers have found an unusual way to increase physical endurance and strength during workouts: shouting swear words. It turns out that such expressive verbalization helps the body exert more effort, significantly improving sports results.

Mechanism of Swearing

Scientist Richard Stephens from Keele University notes that swearing removes internal psychological barriers and helps to focus. This explains why people often use curse words during exhausting exercises.

"Swearing is literally a calorie-neutral, drug-free, inexpensive, and easily accessible tool for enhancing performance," said the researcher.

Previous studies have confirmed that swearing increases endurance, particularly during the painful immersion of hands in icy water. The new work sheds light on the mechanism behind this phenomenon.

Results of Experiments

In two experiments, 192 participants repeated either swear words or neutral words while performing chair push-ups. After the test, they rated their emotional state, including positive emotions, confidence, distraction, and the feeling of 'flow' — complete immersion in the process.

Results published in the American Psychologist showed: those who used swear words were able to hold their body weight significantly longer. This is related to increased confidence, the ability to ignore discomfort, and achieving a high level of concentration.

"In many situations, people hold themselves back — consciously or unconsciously — from using all their strength. By swearing, we remove social constraints and allow ourselves to be more assertive in various situations," emphasized Stephens.

The effect of using swear words, in his words, can be beneficial in sports, rehabilitation, and in any situations that require courage and persistence.

Next Steps in Research

Nick Worhmut, one of the study's authors, noted that the next stage will be to test whether this effect works in other situations where overcoming uncertainty is necessary. His laboratory has already begun research on the influence of swearing on public speaking and romantic relationships.

The research results suggest that swearing can improve physical performance by enhancing focus, confidence, and reducing distractions.

These findings open new perspectives for the use of swearing in sports and everyday life, challenging traditional notions about language. It is also worth noting that earlier scientists found a new way to combat insomnia, implementing unusual approaches that can positively affect the quality of night rest.