Dark Chocolate Scent May Boost Gym Workout Repetitions
A new study published in Frontiers of Physiology suggests that smelling dark chocolate can increase the number of repetitions completed during a leg extension exercise.
The scent of dark chocolate may enhance physical performance during workouts, according to new research. A study published in Frontiers of Physiology investigated the link between smelling dark chocolate and improved exercise output.
The study involved 23 men who regularly engaged in resistance training. Participants were tasked with smelling either chocolate or plain water during a leg extension workout. Those who smelled dark chocolate completed more repetitions compared to a control group smelling water.
Throughout the exercise, participants smelled their assigned scent multiple times and rated its pleasantness and effect on satiety. Smelling 90% dark chocolate resulted in an average increase of 18 repetitions, while smelling 60% milk chocolate led to 9 additional repetitions.
Dark chocolate also appeared to reduce feelings of hunger, whereas milk chocolate was rated as more pleasant to smell. Researchers noted limitations including a small participant pool and the need for further investigation into the olfactory-exercise performance connection.