Where most ‘’active’’ people seem to agree about the necessity of music is during workouts. It can be a trip to the gym, a walk around the block, or a 5k run; most people prefer listening to music for at least some time during these activities. While workouts reward us with well researched, psychological and physical benefits, not all of us always perceive them as ‘’fun’’ at the moment. But music does help us to enhance this already robust experience. Listening to music that appeals to our psyche takes our mind off any potential challenges endured during workouts. It provides us with a sense of rhythm but also a sense of motivation. Whether you are shadow boxing, running, or lifting weights, each exercise requires a certain rhythm level to create an effective workout. Music supports this rhythm and can make working out more efficient and fulfilling. Motivation also comes through music to enable us to go beyond or do more.  Combing this rhythm and motivation through music gives us the feeling of empowerment in any workout situation.

But what is the science behind it? Does music help our workout or make it appear effective, which could be counter-productive. Recent studies have shown that listening to music during a workout can increase physical and psychological performance. Fast-paced music, for example, can increase the distance traveled, pace, or repetitions completed. More specifically, sport Psychologist C.I. Karageorghis concluded after a 2010 study (‘’Ergogenic and psychological effects of synchronous music during circuit-type exercise’’) that music can delay fatigue as well as increase work capacity.  Other studies show that listening to music can affect our hormone levels. Music can cause Serotonin to be released, a ‘’happy’’ and ‘’feel good’’ hormone that improves our attitude during our workout. Familiar sounds also help athletes prepare in a pre-competition state. Athletes frequently listen to music on the bus, in the locker room, or while inspecting the field/court before the game. There is a reason fighters, batters, and other athletes are very particular when it comes to walkout songs playing before performing their skillset. It lets the mind and body know that it is go-time and full attention is required to complete the task. Music impacts everyone differently in these situations. For some of us, it might get the blood flowing and adrenaline pumping, while for others, it may let them escape their pressures and enter into an inner state of peace. Whatever the benefit for the specific athlete is, music helps us enter that necessary psychological state.

In conclusion, we realize that music is not a substitute for exercising, and just listening to your favorite artist will not make you the next super athlete, however, music does improve your workout by enhancing multiple psychological and physical performance elements. If applied correctly, the music in your ears allows you to push a little further, complete that one extra set, or spar that extra round.

ATTENTION: Listening to music during your workout can decrease your attention span in your environment. When working out with music, it is crucial to do so in an environment that allows you to be aware of your surroundings and stay safe, especially outdoors.