Scientists interrogate whether dark chocolate can really give you a gym boost

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 help boost your gym performance? (Getty)A recent study suggested that simply smelling chocolate, particularly dark chocolate, could enhance gym workout performance, leading to headlines globally. The research involved 23 men who performed leg extensions after sniffing water, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate, with dark chocolate leading to over 25 per cent more repetitions. The authors proposed that the smell of dark chocolate might reduce feelings of hunger, which can otherwise detract from workout focus and performance. An exercise scientist critiqued the study, noting it was not truly double-blind as water has no smell, and the performance measure was subjective, likely influencing participants' effort. Despite the study's limitations, the expert concluded there is no harm in smelling chocolate before exercise, but cautioned against expecting a significant impact on performance. In fullCan smelling chocolate boost your workout? Here’s what the science saysMore 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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