Turn the Music Up

Do you remember what Michael Phelps was doing minutes before his Olympic swim? He was listening to music. Athletes agree that listening to music can boost your performance and now scientists believe this as well. While music can only slightly affect your heart beat physiologically, it can dramatically affect your overall performance psychologically. Listening to upbeat music while exercising evokes a sense of euphoria and pleasure during the most grueling exercise. Associating what could be an exhausting and negative experience with a beloved workout song can completely change your perspective. Music with an upbeat tempo can serve as a distraction and positively impact our attitude towards physical fitness.

Adding a little music as students walk into an aerobics class can act as a pre-class stimulus, raising the heartbeat and revving the engines of the participants. Music prepares the students for the anticipated workout, and the participants sense of fulfillment and achievement are reportedly higher with the addition of upbeat music. Whether it is an aerobics class, spin class or a run outside, music keeps us motivated. Feeling more fulfilled during your workout can lead to better attendance and make it easier to turn physical fitness into a lifelong habit. Research has shown that relaxing music can have a sedative effect on group workout sessions and decrease fitness potential; in fact, silence would be more beneficial and stimulating for a workout than slow songs.

Bottom Line: The next time you are struggling to get off the couch and move, try putting together an upbeat playlist of your favorite songs. Music could make the difference when choosing to stay on the couch or getting you from the couch to a 5K.

Written by: Ariel Beaird, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern

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