We all know that maintaining motivation is one of the most important factors when it comes to getting a good workout. Amateurs and pros alike will testify that playing the right tune at the right can give you the extra boost you need to reach your fitness goals.
Does Music Actually Work as A Motivational Tool?
Sports psychologist and academic researcher, Costas Karageorghis once described music as “a type of legal performance-enhancing drug.” In fact, research reveals that musical accompaniment can give athletes the extra stamina and motivation needed for an effective workout. This was proven by a study from 2017 which compared the performance of people who worked out with against those who exercised in silence. On average, the results found that the subjects who exercised with music outlasted those who didn’t by 15 minutes.
What Happens to Our Bodies When We Listen to Music While Working Out?
Studies have uncovered some interesting insights into the various physiological effects of music during exercise. For example, it can increase the heart rate while also lowering blood pressure. It can also give your metabolism a boost so that your body’s energy is used more efficiently. What’s more, one 2018 study revealed that listening to music while exercising engages a particular part of the brain so that exercisers experience fewer feelings of stress and fatigue.
What Happens to Our Brains When We Listen to Music While Working Out?
“Sports without music, it’s nothing but a game. Music adds the emotion.”
– Ice Cube, Rapper & Actor
A major advantage of listening to music during a workout is that it can block out sounds (e.g. heavy breathing, other people in the gym, or the sounds of the machine) which may otherwise distract or demotivate the athlete. Music’simmersive qualities also mean that you are less likely to feelings of pain or tiredness as much. Furthermore, inspiring song lyrics might drive the athlete to push themselves harder.
Find Out More About the Link Between Music and Exercise
“Music does a lot. It can make time pass faster, your workouts much stronger, and make you feel less pain.”
– Inspirational music quote.
If you are looking to make your workouts more productive or if you would simply like to discover more about the relationship between music and exercise, then you should read the below infographic explainer guide. This super helpful graphic explores the science behind musical motivation and offers some useful tips to help you put together the perfect workout playlist.
Take a look at the infographic below to find out more. This infographic from My Fitness Boutique looks into the science of how music can make us better athletes.
