The Science Behind Grunting at the Gym
Grunting at the gym can enhance performance, trigger the body's fight-flight-freeze response, and reflect good lifting technique, but should be done in moderation to avoid disturbing others.
Key Points
- Grunting can enhance performance in athletes
- It may be linked to the body's autonomic nervous system
- Reflects good lifting technique like the Valsalva manoeuvre
Pros
- Grunting can improve performance by increasing force production and power
- It may trigger the body's autonomic nervous system, priming for physical action
- Can reflect good lifting technique, such as the Valsalva manoeuvre
Cons
- Some find grunting disruptive and perceive it negatively
- Excessive grunting can be off-putting and annoying for others at the gym