Part X: The Beats

In my previous blog posts I discussed how important working out is to your health. Today I will be telling you how music can make your workouts more enjoyable while boosting your athletic performance.
 

John Logan once said, “Music’s the medicine of the mind.” Listening to music while exercising can help clear your mind and push you further in a workout. If you don’t take my word for it, listen to this. In 2009 a research study was conducted at Liverpool John Moores University in England. The study showed what effects music of different tempos had on cyclist’s riding stationary bikes. Every single person who was involved with the study mentioned that listening to music helped motivate him or her to peddle faster, longer, and harder than without music. The research study proved that music could actually boost athletic performance.
 
I always listen to music when I am running or exercising. Not only does the music keep me from getting bored on long distance runs it also helps clear my mind from all of the things going on in my life. Fast, upbeat music is best listened to when you want to keep a good pace while running. Whatever genre of music you enjoy, you can always sync your steps with the beat of the song you are listening to. I personally like using my Beats headphones when I run because they have the best sound. These earphones are not liked by die-hard runners because they are quite large and obnoxious.  

Pump-up songs are tunes that will give you motivation during your exercise. I always make sure to add a playlist of all my favorite pump-up songs on my iPod. If I am ever in pain or if I just can’t seem to find motivation to continue my run I play my pump-up songs. Any pain I am in becomes more bearable instantly.


 I use a new phone application called PaceDJ that creates music playlists that match your running, cycling, and walking pace. The application is $1.99 in iTunes and $0.99 in the Android Marketplace, but well worth the money. If you are a fan of new music or if you just cannot figure out what songs are excellent exercise beats then give this application a try.
 

Listening to music when I exercise has become a habit. It has gotten me through miles upon miles of pain and boredom. Join me next week when I tell you all about my first half marathon I competed in. See you then!