How chocolate could be the key to better gym performance

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleCan chocolate boost performance in the gym? (Getty/iStock)A small study indicates that sniffing chocolate, especially dark varieties, could unexpectedly boost gym performance. Researchers observed that the aroma of dark chocolate (90 per cent cocoa) helped participants complete more leg extensions while simultaneously curbing hunger. The study involved 23 healthy men who sniffed liquified dark chocolate, milk chocolate (60 per cent cocoa), or a control water sample before and during leg extension exercises. Sniffing 90 per cent dark chocolate added approximately 18 repetitions to participants' leg extensions, and 60 per cent milk chocolate added about nine repetitions, without increasing their perceived exertion. Experts suggest that familiar and appealing food scents trigger a psychological shift in appetite, with dark chocolate acting as a cue for fullness and milk chocolate as a hedonic reward. In fullWhy sniffing dark chocolate will help you lift heavier weights in the gymMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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