For most people, music plays an indispensable role in their daily lives. Some can’t even get going in the morning without their favorite tunes. In fact, music has such powerful effects on the human mind that we can be subconsciously moved or affected by it.
In a fascinating study by neurologist Oliver Sacks, late-stage Alzheimer’s patients who could not understand or communicate with other people nevertheless demonstrates greater levels of alertness and cognitive focus once exposed to music.1 In this article, we will explore the effects music can have on your exercise routine, and the attendant fitness benefits.
Go faster, harder, longer!
Do you struggle to motivate yourself before a workout, or frequently give up midway through a punishing exercise routine? Listening to music might just give you the boost you need. In fact, music can boost your aerobic endurance by up to 15%, allowing listeners to pursue longer and more effective workouts. Here are some of the “neural pathways” via which music improves our physical performance.
- Synchronisation
Most cardio exercise involves repetitive motion. Think jogging, cycling, rowing, swimming and, of course, dancing. If you manage to settle into a rhythm, you’ll find that your movements become more regular and efficient.2 Less wasted energy means you can work out longer and more effectively. By trying to synchronize your movements with the music tempo, you might see immediate improvements in your performance.
- Disassociation
Do you find that a run on a treadmill seems a great deal longer when you’re staring at the clock? You’re not alone. Focusing on the time you’ve spent running, or how many calories you’ve burned is bad for motivation. Music can help you “disassociate” yourself from the physical sensation of fatigue, distracting your mind with an enjoyable tune.3 Remember that physical endurance is as much about mental as it is about physical strength!
- Arousal regulation
Music can get you in the right mood for the particular workout you have in mind.4 If you’re starting a yoga session, something calming. Before a spin class, fast-paced electronic or hip-hop music will get you pumped up and properly stimulated.
Picking the right tune
That leads us to the next question — what songs are best for exercise? As you’ll have gathered from the above discussion on arousal regulation, the answer is really “it depends”. In general, if you’re listening to music during exercise, researchers recommend songs with a regular, upbeat rhythm and positive and motivational lyrics.5 Most importantly, pick a song you enjoy, so you’ll have the incentive to keep going when the going gets tough!
Sources
- Sacks O. The power of music. Brain. 2006; 129: 2528-2532.
- Karageorghis CI, Mouzourides DA, Priest DL, Sasso TA, Morrish DJ, Walley CJ. Psychophysical and ergogenic effects of synchronous music during treadmill walking. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 2009; 31: 18-36.
- Karageorghis CI, Jones L, Stuart DP. Psychological effects of music tempi during exercise. International Journal of Sports Medicine. 2008; 29: 613-619.
- Bishop DT, Karageorghis CI and Loizou G. A grounded theory of young tennis players? use of music to manipulate emotional state. Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology. 2007; 29: 584-607.
- Karageorghis C and Priest DL. Music in sport and exercise: an update on research and application. The Sport Journal. 2008; 11:3.
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