Exercise has been shown to significantly improve health and fitness levels. Enjoying exercise plays a large part in sticking to an exercise program. When accompanied by music, exercising becomes more enjoyable. Music increases adrenaline, a mood-enhancing hormone. Music creates an atmosphere ranging from relaxing to invigorating. Selecting the proper music for the type of workout is essential for setting the mood for workouts.
History
Workout music, in a commercial setting or self-supplied, has undergone many changes since the 1980s. Early dance and exercise classes relied on vinyl records on a turntable for accompanying class music. This created a disruption to the flow of the class. Radios provided background music in health club facilities. Participants used portable devices with earphones to supply their own music for private workouts. In the 1990s professionally made workout music became available for group classes. This music had 32-count phrasing to match the continuous flow of cardio class choreography. Professional music switched from cassettes to compact discs. Today, the music can be placed on personal music devices that can be plugged into systems in health club settings. Individual music has undergone the same transition as individuals working out alone now supply their own workout music using the same devices.
Significance
According to the Association for Natural Psychology, music stirs emotions. When exercising, stimulating workout music reduces perceived exertion levels allowing workout intensities to increase along with results. Music works as a stimulus, increasing heart rates and muscle tension. Physically challenged individuals have shown increases in stability and mobility enhancing motor skills when listening to music.
Types
Music is effective for workouts when the right music is selected for the workout. Cardio workout music should be matched to the tempo of the movement. Proper speed for cardio classes range from 120 to 140 beats per minute. Upbeat, energetic music set at the proper tempo will motivate participants throughout the workout. Strength training music should create a feeling of power and invincibility. Heavy metal and rock music is generally selected for strength training workouts. Music with a strong beat is effective for kick-boxing classes. For yoga, Pilates and cooldowns, calm and relaxing music should be selected to create a soothing effect and to enhance recovery.
Benefits
Effective workout music will increase workout intensities by matching the rhythm to the movement. When walking while listening to music with 120 beats per minute, you will match your movement to the beat of the music. This will elevate your heart rate levels, resulting in an aerobic training effect. Higher beats per minute, up to 140, will elevate heart rate levels even higher. When cycling to music that starts with a slower beat that increases to a faster beat, participants performed better in their cycling workouts.
Considerations
Exercising to music creates more effective workouts, resulting in improved health. Exercising to music played at a very loud volume, is not healthy to your ears. It is important to keep the volume at a comfortable level, especially when using headphones. Music listened to through headphones is transmitted directly to your ears, resulting in an even higher volume compared to listening to music in an exercise room.
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