The Benefits of Music While Working Out
45 million Americans have a gym membership, and regular workouts are only getting more popular. Lots of those gym bunnies will spend most of their workout time with a set of headphones on.
So, what are the benefits of music? Does it help you get the most out of your workout? Or is it just a great way to tune out your surroundings?
Well, it turns out that music does have genuine mental and physical benefits when exercising! Let’s take a quick look at what those are.
Upping the Tempo
Any athlete will tell you that a great workout is all about rhythm. The beat of your feet on a treadmill, the whir of your legs on a bike, even the measured pace of hefting a barbell up and down.
So it’s no surprise that pairing appropriate workout music with exercise can have a positive effect. For example, listening to an intense and fast rap song while running on a treadmill can help you keep the right pace. On the other hand, a slightly slower track can help you maintain a steady pace when doing your reps on the bench press.
Think of it as a drummer at the head of an army on the march. Setting an appropriate tempo can help you squeeze out that last rep, push through those last minutes, or go those extra miles where a music-free workout might fall short.
The Distracting Benefits of Music
Another key perk of music during exercise is distraction. No, really, being distracted during a workout can actually be a great thing (so long as you don’t drop a weight on your head).
Ever given up on a run or bike ride because the exhaustion was too much? When you’re gulping for air and your legs burn, it can be hard to push on.
But music can distract your mind and let you keep going. Giving yourself something outside your body to focus on can let you accomplish herculean feats.
So stick the headphones on, turn on, tune in, and drop out. Your body will thank you for it.
Mood Music
Finally, everyone knows music can just straight-up make you feel like a million bucks during a workout. A great song is the difference between a dull 30-minute bike ride and the thrilling ride of your life.
Playing something to amp you up will make you feel like a cool athlete rather than a sweaty gym rat. You can complete the image by buying bluetooth sunglasses to play music from and make you look like the coolest person in the room.
Turn It Up!
So what are the benefits of music for a workout? There are almost too many to list. From tempo to distraction, to just making you feel great, music has the potential to turn a disappointing workout into a great one.
So stick your earbuds in and get out there!
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