The Science Behind Music

Let's face it, sometimes exercise can be boring. If you put on some good music it can totally change your attitude! Instead of watching the clock, you could be picking up your pace.

There is scientific evidence that listening to music while exercising can improve your results. This is because it is motivating and also distracts us from things like fatigue. Music helps people exercise longer and more vigorously. The same can be said for it being the other way around. If someone is feeling anxious, listening to music that is soft or slow can calm down and relax the mind and body.

There is even evidence that one song may be more effective over the other. Dr. Costas Karageorghis, an associate professor of sport psychology at Brunel University in England, has studied how music effects physical performance for more than 20 years. He says that one of a songs most important elements is tempo, which should be between 120-140 beats-per-minute (BPM) for an average workout. This tempo corresponds to the average persons heart rate during a workout.

For a leisurely walk around 3 miles per hour, shoot for 115-118 BPM. If you are wanting a power walk, aim for 137-139 BPM. For running, the BPM should be around 147-160.

So update your playlist to take your workout to the next level!

Sources:
Kurutz, Steven. "FITNESS; They're Playing My Song. Time to Work Out." The New York Times. The New York Times, 10 Jan. 2008. Web. 24 July 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/10/fashion/10fitness.html?_r=2.

"Using Music To Motivate Your Workout." The Benefits of Using a Variety of Treadmill Programs. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 July 2012. <http://www.treadmillbynet.com/articles/treadmill-music.html>.