GYM-goers are being told that watching porn before you pump the weights could make you stronger.
New research conducted by UK Sport has found that watching either erotic or aggressive films can increase the testosterone levels that help with lifting heavier weights.
Dr Christian Cook and Dr Blair Crewther who conducted the study measured the hormonal reactions of weightlifters to different film clips.
They found that blue clips and violent videos increase the male hormone levels, while watching sad clips resulted in a fall in testosterone.
This means that men could get buff quicker watching a film like Piranha 3D with a semi-naked Kelly Brook and lots of gore rather than the weepy love story of The Notebook.
The tests involved collecting the saliva of the weightlifters on six occasions – immediately before and then 15 minutes after they had watched the four minute video.
The male participants were then asked to carry out three repetitions of squats or deep-knee bends – a basic strength-building exercise for upper legs, hips and back.
The target was to raise the maximum possible weight with three consecutive repetitions.
Drs Cook and Crewther found a notable improvement in the weightlifters’ performance after they watched erotic, aggressive or training films.
In the report the two researchers concluded: “Using short video presentations in the pre-workout environment offers an opportunity for understanding the outcomes of hormonal change, athlete behaviour and subsequent voluntary performance.”
‘Viewing room’
Dr Ken van Someren, director of sports science at the English Institute of Sport, said: “I am not surprised that sexual or aggressive videos increase the testosterone levels.
“We often look at hormonal levels in assessing whether individuals have recovered from exercise, whether they are tired or rundown.
“There must be a note of caution – you have to be careful not to trick these levels by raising them artificially otherwise athletes may push themselves closer to breakdown.
“However clearly using films affects the drive and motivation of athletes and this is a very easy and legal way to achieve this aim before training or competition.”
A spokesman for Fitness First in Glasgow said: “This is a great bit of research. I can see how it is likely to intrigue those who work out.
“I don’t know if the body builders are aware of it, but we’ll be paying attention to see if anyone requests a kind of ‘viewing room’ for before they head into the gym.”
