Motivational music enhances high intensity workouts
A
study published in the journal
Psychology of Sport & Exercise compared the psychological and and physiological responses to sprint interval training under three conditions: listening to motivational music, listening to a podcast, and audio silence.
The researchers found that music derived a more positive response and higher levels of enjoyment, and that this affect has the potential to reduce the chances of people giving up on exercise.
Listening to music was also found to increase physical exertion during interval training compared to the other variables, reflected by higher heart rate levels and greater peak power.
The researchers concluded that listening to motivational music during interval training has the potential to enhance feelings of pleasure, improve enjoyment, and elevate performance, and may ultimately encourage continued participation.
4 ways to fine tune your workout playlist
- Go up-tempo – To obtain the benefits highlighted above, subjects listened to music that was described as up-beat and stimulating, that tends to have a fast tempo and a strong rhythm. There are endless choices of music available, including playlists where the music has a fast beat. Runners may especially enjoy songs where the beat matches their foot strike. However, the key is to find something that motivates you.
- Consider sound safety - When listening to music outdoors, make sure the volume is at a level where you can still hear other sounds around you, such as an approaching car or barking dog. Lowering the volume level will also prevent any potential damage to your hearing. If you are training in a busy area, consider wearing a single ear bud, leaving your other ear to keep you safe and alert
- Change it up regularly – Keep things interesting by changing your playlist constantly. Experiment with different tunes, and ask your friends what they listen to. You can even find tracks that have fast music for 20 seconds, and slow music for 10 seconds, so you can practice the tabata interval protocol
- Use slow tunes to cool down – Just as fast music can boost your intensity, slower music is ideal for cooling down, or stretching at the end of your run. When compared to listening to no music, classical music has been shown to reduce heart rate and blood pressure in runners. This allows the body to relax and release muscular tension, helping to improve muscle recovery