MUSIC and Workouts!

Many of us listen to music while we workout. No, I’m not talking Jane Fonda’s Workouts. And I know some of you enjoy the music some days, and some of you would choose something completely different to listen to while you are working out. Thanks to technology, there are plenty of great music apps you can download for exercising. Most of them will allow you to create and save personal playlists, or select a specific style of music. Check out your phone’s App Store, and I am sure you will everything from Pandora to Rdio to Beats Music to Spotify, and plenty more.

Let’s take a look at how music can change our workout...from a research standpoint. But first, here is a look at
5 reasons why we should listen to music (adapted from the Huffpost Healthy Living blog).

1. Music is the good kind of distraction. When there is a lot to process from the music playing, it makes you less aware of your exertion.
2. It ups your effort. Songs that are more upbeat (between 120 and 140 beats per minute) have the maximum effect on exercisers.
3. Music puts you "in the zone". If you have that “go-to” song or type of music, and has been shown to improve physical performance.
4. A good beat can help you keep pace.The rhythm of your workout music affects the brain as to when to move, and those sets and reps go a little more rhythmic in nature.
5. Music can elevate your mood. No matter what happened an hour ago, you can use your tunes to help you escape negativity and power you through your workout -- and you know you'll feel great when it's over.

Where is the research behind this? The answer is all over the place! Google “music and workout”, and you will find plenty of researched articles on the topic. Don’t want to take the time to sort through articles? I don’t blame you!

Here are few articles you can check out:
ACE Fitness
IDEA
Scientific American

So, what are you waiting for? Pick your music, get those headphones on, and go crush that next workout!

Sincerely,
Coach Keith