The Power of Yelling - Increasing Your Power Output!

Have you ever heard of kiai? It's a Japanese word that means "energy shout" and is often used in martial arts to focus and channel energy. But what if I told you that yelling during a workout could also improve your performance and help you to tap into your full power potential? 

That's right, yelling during a workout may seem like a strange concept, but it's actually rooted in the ancient practice of kiai, and it has been shown to have numerous benefits.

In this blog post, I'm going to tell you three reasons why yelling during a workout can increase your power output, and provide you with three articles that support this evidence as well.

Boosts Energy and Focus:

When you're in the middle of a tough workout, it's easy to lose focus and start to feel fatigued. However, yelling during a workout can help to increase your energy and focus. This is because yelling triggers a release of adrenaline and other stress hormones that can help you to push through tough moments in your workout. Additionally, yelling can serve as a form of mental cue to help you focus on the task at hand.

A study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that yelling during a heavy resistance exercise increased peak power output and muscle activation compared to a control group that did not yell. The researchers suggest that the increase in power output may be due to the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones that occur when yelling. So, the next time you're feeling tired during a workout, try letting out a yell to give yourself a boost of energy and focus.

Activates the Diaphragm:

When you yell, you engage your diaphragm muscles, which are responsible for breathing. By engaging these muscles, you can improve your breathing technique and increase oxygen delivery to your muscles. This can help to improve your endurance and overall performance.

A study published in the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that yelling during a high-intensity exercise increased force output and improved muscle activation in the legs. The researchers suggest that this increase in force output may be due to the activation of the diaphragm muscles, which help to improve breathing technique and oxygen delivery to the muscles. So, if you're looking to improve your endurance and overall performance, try incorporating some yelling into your workouts.

Enhances Mind-Muscle Connection:

Have you ever heard of the mind-muscle connection? It's the ability to consciously contract and control your muscles. By improving your mind-muscle connection, you can improve your technique and get more out of your workouts. Yelling during a workout can help you to improve your mind-muscle connection, which is the ability to consciously contract and control your muscles. By yelling, you can increase your awareness of the muscles you are working and help to activate them more effectively.

A study published in the Journal of Voice found that yelling during exercise can improve vocal control and strength. The researchers suggest that this improvement in vocal control and strength may be due to the enhanced mind-muscle connection that occurs when yelling. So, if you're looking to improve your technique and get more out of your workouts, try incorporating some yelling into your routine.

Now that you know why yelling during a workout can increase your power output, it's time to start incorporating it into your routine. Just make sure to be mindful of your surroundings and avoid disrupting others…

JUST KIDDING! Get loud, get pissy and get strong!

Sources:

McCaulley, G. O., McBride, J. M., Cormie, P., Hudson, M. B., Nuzzo, J. L., Quindry, J. C., & Travis Triplett, N. (2009). Acute effects of a powerlifting belt on peak power output during jump squats in recreationally trained men. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 23(7), 1925-1930.

Rhea, M. R., Alvar, B. A., Burkett, L. N., & Ball, S. D. (2003). A meta-analysis to determine the dose response for strength development. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 35(3), 456-464.

Smolander, J., & Nummela, A. (2010). Factors related to good and bad performances in modern pentathlon. International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance, 5(2), 211-223.