Music is one of the most important art forms and the greatest creations of mankind. For some it is a way to reduce stress, it is therapeutic and great for healing. At other times it is important for creativity, motivation, to express yourself. Needless to say that whether you realize it or not, music influences most people worldwide in one way or another. Therefore it makes sense that music could be a fundamental component when it comes to working out. It can help with motivation and research even suggests that it can also improve your performance and results. We spoke to Sydney’s leading experts on how the combination makes your time in the gym exponentially better. Music and exercise are quite an excellent combination!
Patrick Monica and Maddison Turner are the founders of a new gym in Sydney called King Beats Fitness which is dedicated to bringing music, art and culture to the party, helping to keep their members motivated and give them some outside stimulation other than just a workout. Patrick says “Since the incarnation of gyms in the modern world, the look and culture has never changed. Repetitive in design with no character and presented with the obvious equipment; white walls and fluorescent lighting.” They even have live DJs!
Image: Kayla Itsines
Music Can Increase Motivation And Performance
Studies show that the right music can increase your motivation and performance in the gym. Even if it’s just showing up and staying motivated. In fact, a 2010 study found that cyclists worked harder when listening to faster music as compared to music at a slower tempo.
If you are practicing something more relaxed such as yoga or stretching you would listen to a different style of music altogether. In a 2012 review of the research, Costas Karageorghis of Brunel University who is one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of exercise music suggested that music is “a type of legal performance-enhancing drug.”
Good Kind Of Distraction
Research has shown that music can be a good type of distraction for some gym-goers. Some participants finding they were less aware of their exertion, which allowed them to train a little harder. The Guardian has even reported that this approach can benefit athletic performance by up to 15 percent. It is also an effective pairing because music can distract people. From things like pain and fatigue helping to increase endurance and reduce perceived effort.
Image: BUF Girls Bondi
Help You Keep Pace
Music is great for all types of training but particularly if you are running or doing an activity that you need to “keep up with” such as HIIT music can be a great way to monitor your pace and keep you ticking along with the activity at hand. If you enjoy running long distances, having songs with 120 – 140 BPR on your playlist can be a great help for getting through it as most people have an instinct to synchronize their movements with music. That’s why you don’t want your music to be too fast or too slow.
Music And Exercise Can Elevate Your Mood
Whether you are in a bad mood, stressed or just tired because you are not a morning person, research has shown that even sad music can be therapeutic and comforting according to research from Durham University in the UK. Some studies have found that people can improve their mood and boost their happiness in just two weeks.
While you’re here, check out this 20 minute HIIT workout you can do at home.
