If you are an athlete looking to truly get the most out of your workout, then you should definitely have a good playlist on deck. Listening to music can have a huge impact on how you train, improving performance and providing motivation and eliminating distraction.
Fast Pace. High Intensity
The research has proven that listening to fast-paced, upbeat music while exercising can increase physical performance. So Spice Girls maybe? Hm.
This can be because it allows athletes to maintain a higher level of intensity for a longer period of time and reduce perceived exertion. Music has also been shown to increase an athlete’s overall endurance during cardio activities, and help with coordination during strength training or other physical activities. I think Janet Jackson coined the phrase, “We are a part of a rhythm nation.”
In addition to improving physical performance, listening to music while working out also has psychological benefits. It can be a great source of motivation and distraction during long or difficult workouts. This can be especially true at the box gym that you go to that blasts undesirable music throughout the gym.
The Zone
What else? Music can help you stay in the zone, providing an enjoyable and energizing atmosphere for pushing yourself further than before. More deeply, the right music has the power to transport you away from the humdrum of everyday life and into a realm of pure focus on your workout goals. Like an escape –
Music has the ability to elevate your mood before, during, and after a workout. Listening to upbeat music can help you feel energized while slow and calming tunes can relax your mind and body prior to exercising (Lil Jon verses Sade). Being in a positive state of mind is beneficial for physical performance as well as mental wellbeing. It’s also important to find music that motivates you, as this can keep your workouts from getting stale and boring.
Choose Wisely
Choosing the right type of music for working out is important depending on the activity. For high intensity training like weightlifting or HIIT, faster tempo songs with motivating lyrics will help boost energy levels. On the other hand, relaxing tunes with slower tempos are better suited for activities such as yoga or stretching. For intense resistance training days, I typically listen to hard core underground hip hop, but on occasion will slip in some R and B for a different type of vibe.
More interestingly, music with slower tempos has been shown to lower heart rates while faster tempo songs tend to increase them. This suggests it’s probably a better idea to switch the music tempo post workout to help reduce heart rate back to normal.
All in all, its evident that listening to music during a workout has multiple benefits. Not only does it help motivate you to keep going and even push yourself harder, but it also improves focus and increases enjoyment. What’s more, incorporating different kinds of music into your exercise routine provides variety and prevents boredom. So don’t be afraid to experiment with different genres and find what works for you! I mean after all, the right motivating soundtrack can make a big difference in your overall workout experience. Now is the perfect time to switch up your regular playlist – so why don’t you give it a go? Tell us: what kind of music do you listen to while you workout?