If you’ve ever been to the gym or saw someone going for a run outside, the chances are that they have their earphones in and are listening to music. You yourself may even listen to music. You probably never really thought of the reasons why, but there are a number of different benefits for listening to music when you workout.
Some people even have a specific workout playlist! Typical workout music has a fast beat and pace to keep you going and motivated. But when you are willing to take a step back and chill for a bit, this radio station can take you there.
Have a look below at some of the major benefits of listening to music when you workout and hopefully you will be able to make your gym session even better:
Music increases your effort
There have been a number of studies that explain people work harder when listening to faster music, compared to that of a slower beat. Songs with a fast beat can set a good tempo when doing cardio in particular (like cycling or running).
Getting into a rhythm is important in cardio, as it can be easier to keep and maintain your tempo, rather then stopping and starting to try improving the tempo. However, music with too fast of a beat can actually have a negative impact. Studies recommend music around 120 and 140 beats per minute.
Music can make you feel better
We all know the power of music, well you should try to harness that in the gym as well! Music helps you escape from the situation you’re in, and when that situation is a tough workout that could be just the thing you need! It could be a good idea to create yourself a workout playlist that you can flick on as soon as your workout starts.
It can also help you focus and forget about what happened earlier in the day and get on with the job at hand. With music it is easy to power through your workout, making you feel even better at the end when it’s finished. Then you are well and truly ready to go on and tackle whatever the rest of the day has for you.
Music is a good distraction
If you’ve ever worked out, you will know just how many distractions there are around and it is very easy to procrastinate. By listening to music you are effectively blocking out the world and it helps you focus better on your workout. No more thinking about the workout, it is time to get moving!
Not only does it make a good distraction, music helps people to be less focused on how much energy they are exerting, or the (good type of) pain they are in. For example, if you are running with a side stitch it could be more easily forgotten about when a fast beat song is playing!
Music helps you get in the zone
Lots of people have a specific song, or set of songs, that help them get into the zone – both before and during the workout – like “Lose Yourself” by Eminem for example. When you think of the kinds of memories associated with each song it helps different people get in the zone.
Good workout music can boost your motivation and get you even further then you thought. Channel your motivation through the songs and work hard to reach your personal bests! With a beat you can keep a good pace with, it is no wonder so many people prefer to workout with music.