Research proves that music is a motivator and a stellar distraction tool, too. It can improve concentration, endurance, muscle tension, blood pressure, heart rate and breathing while exercising. In fact, researchers from The Ohio State University found that exercisers perceived less exertion when they jogged to music. A study from Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness also uncovered that music enabled its participants to continue exercising for a longer period of time.
Whether it’s your local fitness facility that routes blood-pumping music throughout the strength-training room, or cardio equipment like the Elevation Series from Life Fitness with iPod connectivity – finding your tune at the gym has never been easier. These tips from Life Fitness are sure to make your workout play list more meaningful:
- Pick songs with lyrics that support your goals. If you’re getting over a relationship or the loss of a job, try George Michael’s “Freedom” or Frou Frou’s “Let Go.”
- Select up-tempo songs, tunes exceeding 120 beats per minute for peak heart-rate times and slower songs for warm up and cool down periods. Think Kanye West’s “Stronger” for a sprint and Radiohead’s “Fake Plastic Trees” to walk it off.
- Add a ‘power song’ at the end of your play list as a special treat that encourages you to complete your workout. Some popular power songs include, The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” and Eminem’s “Loose Yourself.”
It doesn’t matter if Rage Against the Machine or Taylor Swift gets you through. Just having the right music for your ears can help you achieve your fitness objective.
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