Does listening to music affect your workout?
Research has shown us that components of music from the lyrics to the tempo can affect our performance during our workout. This can change ones mindset, improve their mood and distract them from the discomfort.
All athletes whether it’s your everyday park runner to an Olympic swimmer will use music to help pump them up for an event, or make their run seem a little less tedious. Like me, I have to make sure I’ve got a spare pair of earphones in my gym bag just in case I forget my other ones!
Are you a group exercise fanatic?
In which case, fast-paced music such as dance would be your ideal choice. 130-140 bpm is important for more vigorous workouts. Let’s look at the other side of group exercise classes. Obviously, in a yoga class the instructor isn’t going to play loud, fast music. Instead, they will choose slower more intimate music. This type of music will look to calm your body and mind, thus enhancing your performance.
If you’re running, I’ve found that rap music commonly found between 80-90 bpm is a great pick not only is it the tempo but you’re able to ‘attempt’ to keep up with the lyrics. Which then takes your mind off the workout itself.
Try it out for yourself. Do you have a specific genre of music that you listen to in the gym or on your runs outside? If so, we would love to hear about it!
Words by My Fitness Hub Instructor Adam Cuell
