While classical music may help you to focus during work or study (or put you to sleep at night) and metal or alternative might get you through your daily commute, these genres don’t necessarily lend themselves to improving your exercise routine. This begs the question: are certain types of music better suited to working out than others?
For most people, the answer is an emphatic yes. But which types of music will best suit your particular needs when it comes to pumping up your exercise routine? There are a few things you’ll need to consider before you settle on a genre, an artist, or even a specific song title to add to your playlist.
Match the Music to the Movements
The first thing you’ll like want to address is the type of exercise you’re doing since various musical styles will apply to different forms of activity. For example, a person who takes the dog for a long walk around the park every evening after work may choose to listen to oldies that they can sing along to, while those who go jogging might prefer club music or techno because the tempo helps them to keep up a certain pace.
They may even plan an entire playlist to help them speed up and slow down periodically. But it could be that neither of these types of music lends themselves particularly well to a relaxing yoga session, which could require a soundtrack of new age, atmospheric tunes, sans lyrics. As you can see, the type of workout you choose to do could dictate suitable genres of music.
What’s Your Preference?
In addition, you’ll certainly want to take your own personal preferences into account when selecting the music that helps to make your workout more fruitful. For example, some people might get into the groove with a slate of Motown faves that have them practically dancing through their routine while others can only do squats and lift weights to a bouncing house beat.
Maybe singing along with Kurt Cobain or Eddie Vedder during your time on the elliptical machine is more your speed. It’s not all about getting into a rhythm – you also need to have some fun with your musical selection.
There are a couple of reasons to add music to your workout routine. For one thing, it can help to make the experience a little less, well, boring. Although there are certainly people out there who love to get moving, there’s no denying that 30 minutes on a treadmill can seem like an eternity.
While your body is hard at work, your mind may hunger for a little activity, as well, and music can definitely help to pass the time. In addition, it can certainly be used to amp up your activity level, especially if you try to match a rapid beat.
Consider Music Videos
And don’t forget that you can also use music videos to your advantage where exercise is concerned. Perhaps you’d like to learn the dance for Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ or Beyoncé’s ‘Single Ladies’. Or maybe they can simply serve as a distraction while you use the rowing machine or lift weights.
It doesn’t really matter what type of music you choose when working out so long as it encourages you to maintain your exercise regimen and get the most out of every activity. So strap on your armband, pop in your earbuds, or fire up your favorite artist’s YouTube channel – whatever it takes to get you off the couch and moving.
Tags: fitness, health, Motivation, music, workout
