Music is an Activator

Music serves as superb entertainment for many exercisers, but there’s proof it may be doing even more. In fact, music can actually boost the effectiveness of a workout and fight fatigue. It can also inspire a surge of energy, while increasing the ability to physically push through previous limitations. These all are signs that the music coming through those headphones can positively influence the intensity of a workout.

Psychological Effects
Music can help trick the brain into feeling less fatigued during your workout. It serves as a distraction so that the focus is not on the energy or exertion level, but just enjoying the music. This distraction is also helpful when the workout is very repetitive, by helping to prevent boredom. Listening to enjoyable music promotes a positive mood and deters negative thoughts about working out. In addition, music can help increase motivation and enjoyment during workouts, so the chances of sticking with a program are greatly increased.

Physiological Effects
There is no doubt that listening to music during workouts helps the mind, but it also positively affects the body. Matching the music to the tempo of movement can help reduce the amount of oxygen required by the body, allowing for much harder work and greater results. In addition, working out to the pace of music can help improve coordination and motor skills. High-tempo beats can act as a stimulant and cause respiration and cardiac rate to increase, thus intensifying the workout and fighting fatigue. Conversely, slower paced music can calm the body down and help provide greater focus, which is helpful for activities with slower, more controlled movements, such as yoga.

Music not only helps fight workout tiredness through psychological avenues, but the affect of music on the brain also affects the body in a physiological way as well. Finding music that is enjoyable can make a real difference in workouts. Make sure that the beat fits the pace of the workout, and learn to really enjoy fitness.

Photo credit: YutakaTsutano on Flickr.com