Whether you are biking up a steep hill, bench pressing a lot of weight, or trying to open a tight lid on a jar of olives, a good dose of foul language may give you the extra “oomph” you need to complete the task. Research suggests that swearing can boost strength and stamina.
Psychologists from the University of Keele in England performed tests in which study participants were asked to swear before doing vigorous exercise on a stationary bike or squeezing a device that measured grip strength. In both cases, uttering swear words (such as “f**k” and “s**t”) resulted in significant improvements in physical performance compared to saying “neutral” words. Rather than shouting, the participants were asked to say the words in a “steady and clear” manner so as not get too emotional.
Comments: Who knew that talking like a sailor could have such benefits? The exact mechanism by which swearing increases strength and stamina is not known. Swear words are known to have a distracting effect. Perhaps, by saying them during times of momentary pain or discomfort, it allows us to temporarily ignore it and complete the task at hand with grit and determination.
