{"id":26711,"date":"2025-12-18T22:18:38","date_gmt":"2025-12-19T03:18:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/2025\/12\/18\/swearing-can-make-you-physically-stronger\/"},"modified":"2025-12-18T22:18:39","modified_gmt":"2025-12-19T03:18:39","slug":"swearing-can-make-you-physically-stronger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/citystuff.com\/new-york\/2025\/12\/18\/swearing-can-make-you-physically-stronger\/","title":{"rendered":"Swearing Can Make You Physically Stronger"},"content":{"rendered":"

Introduction to the Power of Swearing<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve been looking for an excuse to swear like a sailor, this is it.
\nNew research suggests that letting loose with a string of expletives can give your body a surprising edge, helping you tap into hidden reserves of strength and endurance when the pressure is on.
\n\u201cSwearing is literally a calorie neutral, drug free, low cost, readily available tool at our disposal for when we need a boost in performance,\u201d Dr. Richard Stephens, the study\u2019s lead author, said in a statement.
\nCursing can make you feel more focused, confident and less inhibited, allowing you to push harder. LIGHTFIELD STUDIOS \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/span><\/p>\n

The Study on Swearing and Strength<\/h2>\n

In the study, Stephens and his colleagues ran two experiments involving 192 participants.
\nIn each experiment, the participants performed a chair pushup \u2014 supporting their body weight on their arms \u2014 while repeating either a swear word or a neutral word every two seconds.
\nAfter completing the pushup challenges, participants answered a series of questions about their mental state during the task. The questions measured things like how much positive emotion they felt, how funny they found the situation, how distracted they were and how confident they felt in themselves.<\/p>\n

Measuring Disinhibition and Flow<\/h3>\n

The researchers were particularly interested in variables linked to disinhibition, a psychological state in which people are less likely to hold themselves back.
\nThey also measured psychological \u201cflow,\u201d the state in which people become fully absorbed in an activity in a focused and enjoyable way, often described as being \u201cin the zone.\u201d
\nThe results were loud and clear.
\nResearch shows that the vast majority of Americans swear every day. Krakenimages.com \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/span><\/p>\n

Findings and Implications<\/h2>\n

Those who swore while doing the chair pushup were able to support their body weight significantly longer than those who repeated a neutral word in both experiments.
\nThe findings add to a growing body of research that shows swearing can enhance physical performance.
\nStephens has been studying this phenomenon for years. In a 2018 study, he found that cyclists who repeated a swear word saw an 8% increase in grip strength and a 4.5% boost in power output compared with those repeating a neutral word.
\nOther researchers have found similar performance gains from cursing during exercises such as wall sits, traditional pushups and plank holds.
\n\u201cThat is now a well replicated, reliable finding,\u201d Stephens said. \u201cBut the question is \u2014 how is swearing helping us? What\u2019s the psychological mechanism?\u201d <\/p>\n

The Psychological Mechanism<\/h3>\n

To investigate, Stephens and his team combined the data from the two latest experiments with results from an earlier study.
\nThe answer, it seems, lies in the mind. The researchers found that swearing appeared to improve performance by increasing distraction, self-confidence and psychological flow.
\n\u201cIn many situations, people hold themselves back \u2014 consciously or unconsciously \u2014 from using their full strength,\u201d Stephens said.
\nCursing has been linked to a range of health benefits beyond physical strength. Flamingo Images \u2013 stock.adobe.com<\/span><\/p>\n

Overcoming Limitations and Pain<\/h2>\n

For example, previous studies have shown that women in gyms sometimes dial back their effort to avoid appearing unfeminine.
\nAthletes returning from injury, meanwhile, often hesitate, lacking confidence and second-guessing their movements, which can sabotage performance.
\n\u201cSwearing is an easily available way to help yourself feel focused, confident and less distracted, and \u2018go for it\u2019 a little more,\u201d Stephens said.
\nThat\u2019s good news for Americans, most of whom swear before 11 a.m.
\nAn added benefit: letting a few curse words fly may also help you power through pain.
\nIn a 2009 study, Stephens and his colleagues asked participants to hold their hands in ice water for as long as possible while repeating either a swear word or a neutral word.
\nThey found that swearing was linked not only to increased pain tolerance but also to reduced perceptions of pain.<\/p>\n

Future Research Directions<\/h2>\n

Other research has shown that swearing can strengthen social bonds, boost memory and even ease the emotional sting of exclusion or rejection.
\nLooking ahead, Stephens and his colleagues plan to investigate whether swearing delivers the same confidence-boosting benefits in situations beyond physical exertion.
\n\u201cOur labs are now studying how swearing influences public speaking and romantic approach behaviors, two situations where people tend to hesitate or second-guess themselves,\u201d Nicholas Washmuth, an associate professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at Samford University and the study\u2019s co-author, said in a statement.<\/p>\n

Conclusion<\/h2>\n

In conclusion, the power of swearing to enhance physical performance and provide other psychological benefits is a phenomenon worth considering. By understanding the psychological mechanisms behind how swearing affects our behavior and physical capabilities, we can better utilize this tool to our advantage in various situations.<\/p>\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n