While working out, most people will put on their headphones and listen to their favorite hype song or put on their own personal workout playlist. Does music actually affect people’s workout? Music is often used as a way to motivate or increase endurance during workouts. Music is able to increase mood, reduce perceived excretion, help with rhythm and synchronation and can often help performance outcomes as well. It often depends on individual preference and the tempo.
Upbeat music or songs creates a positive emotion, making people motivated to keep going or finish a set. Music can also be a pathway in the brain to release dopamine which offers athletes to be more relaxed and have a more positive mindset.
Music offers a distraction from fatigue and heavy breathing. Fast tempo music around 120-150 BPM matches rhythm with a running cycle where it can help match a pace. This is also known as “rhythmic entrainment” which is when the body’s movements sync to external rhythm. Music also offers longer time to exhaustion when listening because of the distraction and dopamine release.
Though music is able to help in those areas, music does not benefit everyone. Some people believe they work better in silence or may find music a distraction during workouts. It also is important to what type of workout. Some workouts rely on more concentration and focus, so music would be unreliable. People also might over rely on music and feel they are unable to exercise without it.
Coach Barrett, the Mt.Vernon weights instructor said, “Music can assist in providing excitement and energy in the weightroom. The primary source of energy has to come from the athletes and the coaches in the weightroom. The mindset to succeed plus energy equals a good workout.”
Workouts should be focused on the athletes personally enhancing their overall fitness, reducing the risk of injury. Though music is a good way to seek motivation and energy while working out, workout execution and personal mindset is what can help people succeed in the gym.
Music does offer a way to keep you motivated and boost moods along with endurance. But it mainly depends on preference and how much people can rely on music. The true way to help success in workouts is from your mindset and consistency.
