Can Swearing Make You Stronger? Science Says Yes
Dropping a well-timed F-bomb could boost gym performance by up to 10%.
If you’ve ever found yourself dropping a few F-bombs during a workout —especially during one of my programs—you’re not alone.
And now science has your back.
Cursing in the gym isn’t just a way to blow off steam. According to recent research, it may actually help you lift more, push harder, and perform better.
Swearing = Stronger?
Researchers recently conducted a review of five separate studies involving more than 320 subjects to evaluate the impact of swearing on physical performance.
In each study, participants were asked to repeat a curse word (one you might use after stubbing your toe) while performing an exercise. In control conditions, they repeated a neutral word with a similar syllable count and sound—something boring like "table."
The results? Across the board, swearing boosted performance by 5-10%.
We're talking about:
- More power output
- Stronger grip
- More push-up reps
Longer hold times in planks and wall sits
Why Does Swearing Work?
Researchers aren’t 100% sure why swearing helps, but they have some compelling theories:
- Psychological arousal: Swearing may create a
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