If your performance in two of the three fitness test events (plank and push-ups) is borderline pass/fail, or you can almost max the test, you might be tempted to shout a curse word (or three). While it will definitely help soothe the burn of a failing grade, it turns out a perfectly timed expletive may be the difference between passing and failing in the future. In fact, the sailor’s superpower may now be an effective tool for never failing a fitness test again.

Science has linked cursing to physical fitness test improvements, which is particularly helpful if you are in the Navy, as the fitness test requires push-ups and a plank pose. Both exercises improved by as much as 15% by saying your favorite curse word every five seconds. It also seems that dropping a few F-bombs potentially reduces pain perception and triggers a stress response that boosts strength and endurance.

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Here’s a more detailed explanation for the next time you practice for your PT test:

Swearing and Pain Perception

Research indicates that swearing can provoke a physiological reaction that reduces pain sensation, allowing people to sustain challenging exercises such as planks for more extended periods. It creates a stress response as curse words are typically used in anger or emotional states. This can release adrenaline, which can make you more focused and stronger.

Planks and Push-ups

While practicing plank poses and push-ups together will help you produce the best results, try swear words if you need that extra boost when you are feeling the pain of the testing in those positions for several minutes. Death by Push-ups/Plank is a classic way to train planks and push-ups together, and when I do this one with large groups, there is plenty of cursing, usually directed at me.

Enhanced Performance Elsewhere

Studies also reveal that swearing while exercising can boost physical performance, improving grip strength, power output and greater endurance during activities such as push-ups and wall sits. We also tried this by treading water (no hands) and found it slightly easier to continue past 10 minutes. On exercises that require significant focus (to endure pain), swearing helps. There is a known link to cursing creating a “hypoalgesic effect.” This is the phenomenon that pain perception can be reduced. Instead of medication or ice, it’s your favorite four-letter word.

Cursing is proven to affect the brain and body, but while the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, some theories suggest that swearing may:

Physiologically raise heart rate and blood pressure and prepare the muscles for a specific task. By heightening the stress response, you enter a basic level of fight-or-flight mode, hormonally speaking. This serves as a prime performance cue.

Psychologically increase mental focus on a specific task. It does this by distracting to a degree, but it also inspires self-confidence and allows the mind and body to work together to overcome the obstacle in front of you. 

Sensationally offset feelings in the part of the brain with a perfectly timed expletive. Pushing through with swearing can increase our pain tolerance and decrease our pain and discomfort. Researchers have demonstrated that individuals can keep their hands submerged in ice water longer after saying a curse word than after using a more neutral term.

In the book, “Swearing Is Good for You: The Amazing Science of Bad Language,” author Emma Byrne confirms that swearing often occurs when individuals are performing at their best or is used in frustration when not performing well. It is not difficult to catch professional athletes and coaches dropping F-bombs on the sideline in just about every sport. It is also prevalent in the military, where life-or-death situations occur and potential for dangerous outcomes are always possible. Swearing often serves to cope with the pressures of striving for peak performance and when in high-stress situations.

Although swearing may enhance physical performance and boost your confidence in some instances, it’s crucial to understand that it cannot substitute for adequate training and skill. Depending on the setting, it may appear unprofessional, so don’t give up your workout and rely on your sailor’s natural ability just yet. 

Eventually, it becomes habitual or even overused, perhaps lessening its effect on performance. For more workout ideas for all fitness levels, check out the articles at the Military.com fitness section. You will find hundreds of articles to help with the plank pose, push-ups, running and more for any age with fitness test prep, stress mitigation, goal setting, strength training and nutrition.

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