#32: What the "Bleep": Can Swearing Actually Improve Performance?

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Swearing might not just be an emotional release—it could actually boost athletic performance and increase pain tolerance. In this episode, we dive into fascinating research showing that strategically dropping swear words could make you stronger, push your endurance further, and even help you tolerate pain more effectively. But is it the words themselves or their taboo nature that makes the difference? We explore the science, the theories behind it, and how this connects to the mind-body relationship we discussed back in Episode #5.

Dr. Bobby shares studies showing how grunting enhances performance in tennis and weightlifting, with grunting increasing ball speed by 5% and muscle force by 20% (study). But swearing takes things up a notch: in anaerobic performance tests, swearing every three seconds led to a 4.5% increase in power output, an 8% boost in grip strength, and a staggering 22% improvement in wall sit endurance (study). The research also links swearing to increased pain tolerance, with one study showing a 20% improvement in cold endurance when participants submerged their hands in ice water while swearing (study).

So why does this work? We examine three key theories:

1. Physiological response: Does swearing trigger a fight-or-flight response? The evidence says no—heart rate and blood pressure remain unchanged.
2. Psychological arousal: Some researchers believe swearing might activate the brain’s amygdala, increasing confidence and reducing self-imposed limits.
3. Pain tolerance theory: Swearing may act as a mental distraction, shifting focus away from discomfort and allowing for greater exertion.

Dr. Bobby even put this to the test in his own “N of 1” experiment during a run—grunting didn’t help, fake swear words did nothing, but real swearing momentarily reduced his perception of fatigue.

Takeaways:

• Swearing during high-intensity effort can significantly boost strength and endurance, but the effect is diminished if you swear regularly.
• The power of swearing may come from its taboo nature, making it an unexpected distraction that reduces pain perception.
• You might not want to try this loudly in a public gym, but experimenting with your own N of 1 study (perhaps at home) could be revealing.

Want to push past perceived limits? Maybe it’s time to embrace a well-placed expletive. Try it for yourself and let me know—just don’t tell my grandson.

Live long, well, and powerful—maybe even a little more powerful with a swear word or two

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