The Pink Drink Study That Showed Massive Strength Gains
This week's newsletter covers science that could immediately improve your performance or uncover what's actually holding you back.
It was revealed in a 2023 study that examined the effects of a drink designed to enhance strength. The participants completed max reps for five sets at 70% of their one rep max bench press with a 2-minute rest between sets.
The subjects consumed either the specially formulated strength-enhancing beverage or a control drink between sets.
The investigators found that the strength beverage worked. Compared to the control, those consuming the test drink could push out four extra reps. But the most incredible thing about this magical performance-enhancing drink is that the only difference was that the experimental drink was colored pink.
The only enhancing quality was the light red hue, which somehow convinced the brain that it had strength-enhancing properties. Similar performance benefits have been shown across a number of trials.
Davies et al. showed that participants exhibited a larger power output and faster times when told they were breathing "hyperoxic" air.
Szabo showed that a Tic Tac enhanced kayak sprint performance by 3.65% when role model actors and coaches convinced the athletes that it was not a mint but a supplement containing performance-boosting properties.
Additionally, there is no shortage of research to show that caffeine can boost performance simply by telling someone that they are consuming something with caffeine.
That's right! Tricking your brain is the secret to a 5–10% performance boost.
But honestly, it's all fun and games unless you're putting yourself into debt or have convinced yourself that a potentially harmful substance is actually hacking your physiology.
What's more alarming is the nocebo effect, which research shows is even more impactful than placebos.
The Nocebo Effect: The Performance Killer
The nocebo effect forms a negative belief, thereby convincing your brain that your body is broken down or has been subjected to something that will kill your performance.
At least placebos are wrapped in positive sentiments, like forcing a smile can put you into a better mood, whereas nocebos are a negative barrier and plant a seed of self-doubt.
Nocebos can create anxiety and stress over things that don't actually matter, and they are far easier to consume (see: social media) in our lives than things that produce positive beliefs.
Final Thought
In conclusion, be careful about what you're feeding your brain. If you believe it's positively or negatively impacting your performance, then it most likely will.
