Can swearing make a workout easier?

Using profanity has been proven to increase pain tolerance

One of the most difficult aspects of fitness training is learning to tolerate discomfort. While some leisure activities such as a walk or easy bike ride might be pleasant, the tough workouts that make a real difference require that you push past your comfort zone. Sports psychologists teach athletes to use visualization and other psychological techniques to manage pain. But these can take years to master. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a quick one-shot step to pain tolerance? Well, there might be.

Recently, researchers at Keele University in England found that swearing increases our ability to tolerate pain. As part of a study, 64 subjects were required to submerge their hand in ice cold water for as long as possible while repeating a swear word of their choice. A control group submerged their hands while repeating a more benign word. The subjects who were allowed to swear kept their hands submerged for a longer period of time. The researchers believe that an “increase in pain tolerance occurs because swearing triggers the body’s natural “fight-or-flight” response.” They also suggest that “swearing may increase aggression (seen in accelerated heart rates), which downplays weakness to appear stronger or more macho.”

While this technique may have its merits, I wouldn’t recommend it at the gym. One uncensored expletive in the weight room might prompt gym staff to move your workout to a more private spot in the parking lot.

Photo source: Timsamoff on Flickr!