Updated

A small study found that men who smelled chocolate before or during exercise completed more leg extension repetitions without perceiving the workout as more difficult, with dark chocolate producing the strongest effect. Researchers suggest that familiar, appetizing food aromas may influence motivation and perceived exertion by triggering anticipatory brain responses related to eating. The findings add to a growing body of research examining how sensory cues, rather than just physical training variables, can subtly shape exercise performance and endurance.