The Claim
Vocalizing a self-selected swear word immediately before bench pressing at 75% one-repetition maximum increases mean barbell velocity by approximately 10% (0.49 m/s to 0.54 m/s, d=1.11) in resistance-trained young men.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Saying a swear word right before lifting a heavy weight increases the speed of the lift in trained young men.
See the scientific wording
Vocalizing a self-selected swear word immediately before bench pressing at 75% one-repetition maximum increases mean barbell velocity by approximately 10% (0.49 m/s to 0.54 m/s, d=1.11) in resistance-trained young men, suggesting a short-term enhancement in explosive movement performance during dynamic resistance exercise.
Saying a strong swear word triggers a surge of stress hormones that make muscles fire faster and harder, making the bar move quicker during a powerful lift.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Swearing Enhances Explosive Performance and Psychological Responses during Resistance Exercise
Saying a strong word right before lifting a heavy weight made the bar move faster on the first try, but didn’t help people do more reps afterward. The study proved it works.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.