Why Music and Fitness Deliver the Best Results

Music is a commanding force that can be made use of in practically any setting. From gyms making use of pop tunes to athletes with their own MP3 players, music stimulates exercise at all levels and for all varieties of physical activity, including strength training, cardio, and stretching. Naturally, when one is motivated to do something, he or she works at it for a longer period of time in conjunction with more effort. Much like how nutritional supplements are, music serves as an ergogenic aid to exercise. There has been a rather large degree of study concerning the connection between music and the human body. An associate professor at Brunel University (in England), Costas Karageorghis, has been studying the bond between music and motivation since the 1980s. From this research, several theories have been proposed as to why listening to your favourite tunes aids in maintaining a certain level of intensity whilst exercising.

For starters, it is believed that music serves as a type of distraction that prevents the participant from listening to body signals representing fatigue. As a consequence, participants would persevere with activity much longer than they would otherwise. Further research has observed the effect of certain music’s’ tempo on psychological reactions with respect to motivation. Explicitly, strength and endurance were gauged with respect to the response to the type of music, ranging from a slow and relaxing vibe, to an upbeat and familiar tune.

The results, of course, advocated that the upbeat music had a larger, assessable impact, showing greater strength and endurance due to psychological excitement. This is at least in part due to the research of Costas Karageorghis, as his studies have shown that the brain utilises musical tempo as an indication to exercise, particularly in repetitive activities. The tempo itself serves as a technique of measuring and maintaining pace. Moreover, other studies have suggested that listening to music whilst exercising reduces the likelihood of becoming bored (especially with repetitive, monotonous, activities like running on a treadmill) via becoming immersed in your favourite tunes.

Naturally, when you’re bored, it is more likely that you’ll count the minutes until you can stop exercising. Listening to your favourite tunes circumvents this possibility. In the end, it stands to reason that listening to something that spurs some sort of emotional response, will have an impact on the body’s neurotransmitters (endorphins), therefore making the experience of exercising more enjoyable and in turn, facilitates the development of higher levels of motivation.

Bibliography

Blair, S.N., A.N. Dunn, B.H. Marcus, R.A. Carpenter, and P. Jaret. 2001. Active Living Every Day. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Buckworth, J., and R.K. Dishman. 2002. Exercise Psychology. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

Cox, R.H. 2002. Sport Psychology: Concepts and Applications, 5th edition. Boston: McGraw-Hill.

Decik E.L., and R.M. Ryan. 1985. Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behaviour. New York: Plenum Press.

Disclaimer

The content of this blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Information regarding supplements has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.

Buy Maqui Berry Tablets

Maqui berry offers a superior nutritional profile compared to Acai. Significantly higher anthocyanins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, iron, and potassium. Bulk discounts. Responsibly sourced. High grade. Made in the UK.

Learn more
  • Why people take psyllium husk for health benefits

    Why people take psyllium husk for health benefits

     The Benefits of Psyllium Husk:  A Comprehensive Guide Psyllium husk is a natural dietary fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, primarily grown in India. Known for...

    Why people take psyllium husk for health benefits

     The Benefits of Psyllium Husk:  A Comprehensive Guide Psyllium husk is a natural dietary fiber derived from the seeds of the Plantago ovata plant, primarily grown in India. Known for...

  • The Best Raspberry Ketone: Top Supplements for Effective Weight Loss

    The Best Raspberry Ketone: Top Supplements for ...

    Introduction to Weight Loss Supplements Weight loss supplements like raspberry ketones can aid in achieving a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Raspberry ketone supplements are popular for their potential to...

    The Best Raspberry Ketone: Top Supplements for ...

    Introduction to Weight Loss Supplements Weight loss supplements like raspberry ketones can aid in achieving a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Raspberry ketone supplements are popular for their potential to...

  • The Best Polyphenol Rich Foods for Better Health and Wellbeing

    The Best Polyphenol Rich Foods for Better Healt...

    Introduction to Polyphenols Polyphenols are chemical compounds found in plant-based foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering numerous health benefits. Dietary polyphenols are a major group of plant-based nutrients that...

    The Best Polyphenol Rich Foods for Better Healt...

    Introduction to Polyphenols Polyphenols are chemical compounds found in plant-based foods with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, offering numerous health benefits. Dietary polyphenols are a major group of plant-based nutrients that...

1 of 3