However this new study suggests that grunting when lifting, hitting, or kicking actually increases your power, as well as distracting the attention of your opponent. The scientists analysed the force exerted by MMA fighters during a kick, both when they were silent, and when they grunting. Their results showed that grunting increased their force by an astonishing 9 per cent.
In a second component of their research, the fighters were shown videos of opponents kicking in their direction, both silently and with an audible grunt. While proving that yes, the grunt was a huge distraction, the researchers also disproved the previous thought that grunting worked by masking the sound of impact on the ball. There is no ball in MMA.
How can you harness this information? Easy. Let out a grunt on your next dead lift, growl while smashing that backyard cricket ball for six, and get vocal with your boxing coach. Not only will you increase your output, you’ll distract the hell out of the competition.
