“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.” – Plato
Music heightens everything. And- it’s no secret that music enhances your workout.
Music in, world out
When we workout, we can’t focus on what’s going on around us. Our exercise time is personal. It’s about you and your body. But the reality is that sometimes we get distracted.
What is the person next to me doing?
Do I look silly?
Did I leave the stove on?
Man, I’m tired! This hurts!
This is awful, I’m going home.
But when we have our headphones on and listening to our favourite music… the world fades away. We get transported to our own world, where it’s just us.
We get distracted, so that we can focus.
March to the beat of the drum.
Working out to a rhythm is no new concept. The Romans had a man sit at the head of a boat, beating rhythmically on a drum so the rowers would work in unison.
The ancients stumbled onto a concept that still affects us today- people will naturally follow a tempo.
Rhythm influences the motor part of our brain to move in time with the rhythm. Sound waves enter the brain, and turn into vibrations or impulses. These are sent to the nerves in the brain. Where impulses influence the brain and turn into movement.
Science doesn’t lie people!
This means that we can control the pace of our workout. A steady pace can get a lot done, as most fitness pros can attest to.
Rhythm optimizes effort.
The faster the beat, the faster we tend to move. This means that we put more effort into our routine. Remember, though, that too much effort can also be a bad thing. 120-140 bpm (beats per minute) usually has the maximum effect, according to a study conducted in 2010.
Music enhances the benefits of your workout.
Scientists have been researching the link between music and exercise since 1920. And in 1935 they found something interesting. A simple tempo change caused a change in respiration.
They also discovered that music:
- Diminished fatigue
- Less physical and mental stress
- Changed metabolic rate
- Altered blood pressure
- Changed the heart rate
Music makes you happy.
“If music be the food of love, play on.” - Shakespeare
Music has an effect on our mood. It’s one of the best ways to forget negativity and change your outlook on life. Music has always been linked to our deepest emotions.
When our workout playlist is upbeat and energetic, chances are you will be too.
Sorry blues lovers, you won’t have the most productive workout.
It makes you want to move!
Remember when we mentioned that music affects movement? It’s why your foot taps to your favourite song. Or why you want to dance to a good beat.
Is that a bad thing when exercising? Well, what is exercise? Isn’t it movement?
The encore…
There is no doubt in our minds that there is a powerful link between exercise and music.
At Thrive, we stress the fact that it is YOUR workout. Part of tailor making your routine is choosing your own soundtrack.
Why not take the time to put all your favourite jams together to enhance your performance? After all, a good playlist can help you thrive.