Cambridge University mathematics expert, Hannah Fry, has revealed a straightforward respiration technique for unfastening jar lids, negating the need for sheer strength. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Comments
If you are someone who finds it difficult to loosen jars of food and condiments due to their apparent industrial-grade seal, you may want to take note of the advice from a Cambridge University maths professor who asserts there is an easy approach to achieving it.
Hannah Fry implies that succeeding is a question of “intellect over force” and “respiration over muscles.” “You know that feeling when you’re unable to open a jar?” she began in a TikTok clip. “There is actually a scientifically valid trick here that means you’ll never have to struggle again.”
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Holding a jar up to illustrate her method, Hannah instructed her followers to simply “exhale powerfully” whilst attempting to twist the lid.
She went on to describe the science: “The reason this is effective is that your arm is essentially a flimsy, wobbly appendage connected to your torso, which is also quite unsteady.”
Consequently, Hannah highlighted that the arm must expend considerable effort to stabilise itself, but that very energy is what’s needed to open the lid. “So, one thing you can do is inhale deeply and hold your breath – filling your lungs with air – and raising the pressure inside your body, effectively turning your torso into a very firm cylinder and a secure base of support to leverage from,” she continued.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
Read more: ‘Lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure’ with everyday warm beverage
@fryrsquared
Brains over brawn, breath over biceps
Breathe – Olly Alexander (Years & Years)
Hannah also stated the technique is employed by weightlifters and, indeed, it’s something we all “intuitively do” when undertaking something physically demanding. “You can delve deeper into this because, specifically, when you’re opening a jar, you’re generating this twisting action, which needs to be opposed by your shoulder and your spine,” she explained, demonstrating her point with a skeletal illustration.
Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT
“The muscles you require to resist that twist are your internal obliques and your transverse abdominis – and do you know which muscles are activated when you perform a large, forceful exhalation? They are precisely the same ones.”
She finished her advice by stating that when you perform this forceful exhalation, you are “preparing your body and securing your foundation of support” to enable all of your power to be directed towards the jar.
One individual who has embraced the method commented: “I always use the exhale method, and it genuinely works. Now I understand the reason, which is great.”
The latest science news from the natural world, health, tech and beyond Subscribe Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Get More of Our News on Google
Set Daily Express as a ‘Preferred Source’ to get quicker access to the news you value.
Read more: Eliminate cup stains in 10 minutes with 3p item that works wonders
Read more: Eradicate foul smells from sink using 2 household staples in minutes
Read more: I’m a baker — these are the ideal Christmas presents for baking enthusiasts
Trending
A second TikTok viewer mentioned: “We don’t only exhale during lifting; it’s also why we use lifting belts. We brace ourselves against the belt for steadiness.”
Similarly, a third clarified: “The term is Valsalva maneuver. It’s why weight lifters often faint after the heavy lift because they typically aren’t breathing during the lift to push against the lifting belt.”
Whilst a fourth person stated: “Same concept in sports like tennis, rotational power – we’re taught to exhale on the shot, which suggests you have to inhale first.”
Why not test it for yourself and inform us in the comments area whether it was effective for you?