1. Should Cyclists Wear an Ice Vest? 

The Science:

• Pre-cooling (wearing an ice vest before a race) helps lower core temperature, delaying fatigue in hot conditions.
• Studies show it can improve time trial performance by 2-4% in extreme heat.
  Pro Verdict: Yes, but only pre-ride—not during.

2. Should You Cut Holes in Your Socks Like Footballers? 

The Science:

• Footballers do it for better blood flow and reduced calf pressure, but cycling socks are designed for compression and aerodynamics.
• Cutting holes could disrupt airflow and reduce efficiency.
  Pro Verdict:  No—stick to proper cycling socks.

The hand wipe for table tennis
During the summer, Olympic table tennis fans may have noticed players wiping their hands on the table close to the net, where the ball is unlikely to drop. Team GB table tennis performance director Gavin Evans states: ” If they didn’t wipe them, their bat would slip. Toweling down is only permitted every six points, though. Since their hands are typically sweaty, wiping them on their clothing doesn’t help. Evans claims that the table is the only item that is still dry. Would wiping, then, assist a non-professional improve? “I believe it would. The majority of table tennis players get really hot, even when playing for fun.

The belt for weightlifting support
Ever wonder why Olympic weightlifters don such enormous belts? Jenny Tong, a GB weightlifter, states that they are mostly utilized for back support and are often saved for the harder lifts. The belt provides the core muscles with something to brace against when the abdominal wall expands, and when we breathe, we brace ourselves [a technique that extends the torso]. You become more stable since it increases the tension in your core and trunk.

3 More Controversial Hacks—Do They Work?

3. “Taping Your Mouth to Nose-Breathe” 

• Claim: Forces nasal breathing, improving CO₂ tolerance.
• Reality: Can help in altitude training but dangerous during hard efforts.
• Verdict:  Skip it unless supervised.

4. “Caffeine Gum for Instant Energy” 

• Science: Absorbs faster than coffee—boosts alertness in ~10 mins.
• Pro Tip:  Use 30-60 mins before a race.

5. “Wearing Two Pairs of Socks for Blisters” 

• Cyclists Say: Reduces friction, but proper fit matters more.
• Verdict:  Only if your shoes have extra space.