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Music
As you step into the world of fitness, there’s a powerful tool that has the potential to transform your workout experience: music. It’s more than just a pleasant background noise—it’s a dynamic force that can elevate your energy, enhance your endurance, and push you to reach new heights in your fitness journey. Let’s delve into why music is the ultimate workout motivator and how it can be the driving force behind your most successful workouts.
Get Rid of Boredom
Do you ever hit a rock wall when you are working out? Just lose that motivation? Well, listening to music while you workout can help improve the quality of your workout by increasing your stamina and put you in a better mood. (1)Â Have you ever noticed how a catchy beat can make your foot tap involuntarily or your body start moving to the rhythm? Music has an innate ability to tap into our primal instincts, activating our natural sense of rhythm and movement. When you sync your movements to the tempo of a song, you create a harmonious flow that makes your workout feel more intuitive and enjoyable.
Forget the Pain
Another great benefit from listening to music while you workout, is that you forget about the pain. Let’s face it… working out brings a level of pain – not bad pain… think of it like a stitch in your side when you are running. When you listen to upbeat music with a great beat, you tend to focus on the music. You may wonder why. According to WebMD, upbeat tunes have more information for our brains to process.
Take it to the Next Level
Great beats help you to take your workout up a notch! But we all know the old saying “too much of a good thing”. The same applies here. You don’t want to push your workout too much because that can be just as unhealthy as not pushing yourself at all. Studies have found that songs between 120 and 140 beats per minute (bpm) have the maximum effect on moderate exercisers.
Get in the Zone
I am not sure about you but I have a playlist that gets me in the zone. I am sure you do too. And guess what? There is actually science behind why it works. I speak from experience on this but we associate certain songs with memories. Typically these songs relate to the context in which we originally heard them. For me, it is heading to football practice when I was in high school and then again getting ready for a big game when I was in college. When you bring up that memory, it boosts the effect that the song has on motivating us. This motivation has been shown to improve physical performance.
Moods
Have you gone to the gym not really feeling it? I have. Think about it. You have had a bad day. You are depressed. Put on the right play list and my mood lifts right up. One of the most remarkable effects of music on the brain is its impact on mood. Certain melodies and rhythms can trigger the release of feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and endorphins. These neurochemicals not only enhance your mood but also create a sense of pleasure and reward, making your workout feel like a satisfying experience rather than a chore.
Intensify Your Workout
Ever felt a surge of energy when your favorite song starts playing during your workout? That’s not just your imagination. Studies have shown that music with an upbeat tempo can increase your heart rate, breathing rate, and overall exertion level. This can lead to improved performance, increased endurance, and the ability to push through challenging moments in your workout.
Think back when you are on the treadmill or out for a walk or run. If you put some fast-paced music on, pay attention to how much more efficient and intensity level is. Another thing I notice and studies support, that I do not tire out as quickly or easily. Â
Try this out the next time you hit the gym. Choose a couple of playlists. Choose one that has a slower beat… how do you feel? I tried this and found that for my stretching, this was great. I was able to keep a good slow and steady stretch.
However, when I tried to get a good workout in with that slower playlist, it did not work. I switched to my faster playlist and it was like a magic bullet. I felt energized. Have you noticed that in your gym, many times they are playing music. There is a method to their madness.
I wanted to find something to back up what I have found true for myself. “A plausible reason for why different types of exercise have different ideal tempos is related to one’s ability to keep time with the beat of the music, synchronizing strides or pedaling to the beat of the music. Since pace differs on the treadmill versus the exercise bike or elliptical, music of different tempos is needed to achieve ideal performance for various workouts.” (4)
Distraction from Discomfort
Let’s face it: even the most dedicated fitness enthusiasts encounter moments of discomfort during workouts. Music can act as a distraction, diverting your attention away from sensations of fatigue or discomfort. This psychological shift can make the physical demands of your workout feel more manageable.
There are plenty of studies out there that support how much music influences our workouts. But for me, it is important to prove to yourself that music can positively influence your workout. My playlist have a lot of 80’s music. I think the 80’s have some of the best songs to workout with.
Tips for Harnessing the Power of Music
- Curate Your Playlist: Create a playlist of songs that energize and inspire you. Include a mix of genres and tempos to match different phases of your workout.
- Find Your Tempo: Consider selecting songs with a tempo that aligns with your exercise intensity. Upbeat tracks work well for high-intensity intervals, while slower songs are great for cool-downs and stretches.
- Update Regularly: Keep your playlist fresh by adding new songs and rotating old ones. This prevents your workout from becoming monotonous.
- Wireless Earbuds: Invest in wireless earbuds for unrestricted movement and a tangle-free experience during your workouts.
- Use Music Apps: Explore music apps that offer curated workout playlists or personalized recommendations based on your musical preferences.
Unleash the Power of Music in Your Workouts
Whether you’re lifting weights, going for a run, or practicing yoga, music has the power to elevate every moment of your fitness journey. With its ability to boost mood, enhance performance, and provide a welcome distraction, music is the ultimate workout motivator. So, put on your favorite tunes, let the rhythm guide your movements, and unlock the full potential of your workouts with the dynamic force of music.
Creating a Personal Soundtrack
The beauty of using music as a workout motivator lies in its personalization. Everyone has their own taste in music, and the songs that resonate with you can become your personal workout soundtrack. Whether you’re a fan of high-energy beats, empowering lyrics, or soothing melodies, curating a playlist that speaks to you can turn each workout into a unique and empowering experience.
Here are a few of the songs that I like to blast on my list
Pat Benatar – Hit Me With Your Best Shot
Survivor – Eye of the Tiger
Prince – 1999
R.E.M. – It’s the End of the World as We Know It (and I Feel Fine)
I have a lot more but these are some good ones. Stay motivated and enjoy the music!
