Vocalizations during exercise: physical and psychological benefits in sports.

The experience of exercising can go beyond physical movements, incorporating emotional and social aspects that are often expressed through sounds like shouts, grunts, and huffs. During a recent trip to Vedauwoo Park in Wyoming, a sports enthusiast realized that his vocalizations during a strenuous ascent of a rock were not only a visceral response to the challenge but could also have both physiological and psychological benefits. Research on vocalization during exercise is limited, but some studies have suggested that making sounds can enhance strength and performance. Mary J. Sandage, a speech and language professor at Auburn University, explains that what manifests as a shout may be more related to proper breathing than to the noise itself. The Valsalva maneuver, which involves closing the throat to generate pressure in the lungs, can be a technique used by athletes to maximize their strength when lifting weights or performing explosive movements. The effects of vocalization are not solely physical; they also have a significant psychological component. Sarah Ullrich-French, a sports psychologist, states that shouting can be seen as a way to focus attention and release emotions. This can be particularly useful in intense effort situations, where the connection between mind and body becomes crucial for performance. Similarly, practices in martial arts that use short vocalizations to concentrate energy underscore the importance of the mental dimension in physical activity. From a social perspective, the noise generated during exercise can influence those around us. In the realm of tennis, for example, the sound of a serve can be affected by the grunts of an opponent, altering how the rival calibrates their response. Marjorie Blackwood, a tennis champion, notes that the ability to hear the impact of the ball is crucial for good performance, adding an extra layer of complexity to sports interactions. However, vocalization can also have a distracting effect on training partners. While some find that making sounds helps channel their energy and improve their effort, others may be distracted by external noise. Scott Sinnett, a cognitive psychologist, warns that for novice athletes, noise can be more of a distraction than a source of motivation. Despite these concerns, experts suggest that there is no reason to suppress the impulse to make noise during exercise. Sandage highlights that there is a stigma, particularly towards women, that may discourage vocalization in gyms and other training spaces. She encourages athletes to use any resource that helps them maximize their performance, including shouting or grunting, as long as it doesn’t become excessive. Additionally, if the noise is displeasing to someone, there are alternatives that can work just as well. Sinnett mentions that a strong, quick exhalation can be as effective as a shout, providing an outlet for built-up pressure without disturbing the environment. The experience in Vedauwoo, where the author was pushed to experiment with different vocalizations, resonates with many athletes who find in noise a way to express their effort and push their limits. Ultimately, both the physical and psychological benefits that accompany vocalization during exercise suggest that making noise could be more than just a simple response to physical demands; it could be a valuable tool in our quest to improve our performance and well-being. Finally, it is crucial to remember that each athlete is different, and what works for one may not necessarily apply to another. Whether one chooses to shout, breathe deeply, or simply focus on their technique, the important thing is to find what best suits their individual needs and allows them to enjoy exercise without inhibition. Making noise, in this context, can be a way to release tension and connect with oneself, turning physical effort into a more complete and satisfying experience.