Does Listening to Music Improve Your Workout?

Many people listen to music to help them study or sleep better, but did you know that music can also be used to improve your overall physical ability? Several studies have found that people who listen to music while engaging in physical activity actually performed better than people who did it in silence. So, how exactly does this response work?

Although it may not seem like it, moving to the beat actually helps improve workout time and physical endurance. When synchronizing with the beat and rhythm of the music, people are able to maintain steady and constant movement. In fact, when exercising in time with the music, it was found that a person could use up to 7% less oxygen than they would on a workout without music. Studies show that the beat of music may allow for relaxation and contraction of muscles in response to tension, which then supports coordination of repeated movement patterns during exercise.

The effectiveness of music on a workout is also dependent upon tempo. A 2006 study found that while listening to music, workout performance was not boosted. On the other hand, as BPM increased, participants in the study increased their pace and average distance traveled. Another research study found that the ideal tempo for cycling was between 125 and 140 BPM, and that the best speed for treadmill running was between 123 and 131 BPM. Each of these studies’ results show that tempo is an important factor in determining effectiveness of music in a workout.

Another important factor is the element of distraction. While listening to music, people tend to focus on the lyrics or melody. In this way, it distracts from pain and negative thoughts such as “I can’t do it” or “This is my limit”. By distracting from the intensity of the workout, music allows people to exercise for a long time, and not only improve physical strength, but stamina and endurance as well.

While music can be used to help with mental and emotional issues, it can also help you stay fit. By creating a neurophysical response that improves performance and motivation, it is an effective method for improving your workout. So, next time you ever need the incentive to start exercising, just play some energetic music and keep to the beat!

Works Cited:

Damiano Macone, Carlo Baldari. “Music and Physical Activity in Psychological Well-Being – Damiano Macone, Carlo Baldari, Arnaldo Zelli, Laura Guidetti, 2006.” SAGE Journals, journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2466/pms.103.1.285-295.

Clark, Imogen. “The Modulating Effects of Music Listening on Health-Related Exercise and Physical Activity in Adults: a Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.” Taylor & Francis, www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08098131.2015.1008558.

Markell, Jenny. “Can Listening to Music Improve Your Workout?” National Center for Health Research, 21 July 2020, www.center4research.org/can-listening-music-improve-workout/.

Edworthy, Judy, and Hannah Waring. “The effects of music tempo and loudness level on treadmill exercise.” Ergonomics 49.15 (2006): 1597-1610.