BENEFITS OF MUSIC
We're all looking for that extra edge at the gym. Sometimes the pre-workout doesn't get us going. Other times the exercises seem monotonous and boring. And more times than not, the gym music isn't getting the job done. It might be time to create our own playlist. The science shows that listening to your favorite beats while exercising may improve your workout performance. Keep reading to learn more.
Make Your Own Playlist
Want to boost your workout game? Maybe it's time to crank up your favorite tunes! A study by Bartolomei et al. (2015) looked at 31 guys and found that listening to music during workouts can really make a difference. They did two sessions, with everyone doing bench presses to build strength and stamina. None of the 31 subjects listened to music on their first session.
However, during their second session, the study group was able to jam to their favorite tunes while the control group lifted sans music again. After checking out the results, the control group didn't notice any gains from the first to the second session, but the group that listened to music did see improvements in bench press reps. So, it seems listening to your favorite music while working out might just help you get stronger and more endurance-ready.
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Seniors and Music
But working out with music isn't only for young people. It turns out anyone who listens to music can enjoy a boost of energy for their workouts. A study done by van den Elzen et al. (2019) with people averaging 70 years old, also benefited from their favorite music. The older subjects were tested on grip strength while listening to their favorite music. A second group listened to random music during their workout. And a third group did NOT listen to any music at all while working out.
The data concluded that the subjects who listened to their favorite music performed significantly better than the other two groups. This means that listening to the gym's music may be beneficial, but, if you really want to get an extra boost, then you need to create a playlist, bring your headphones, and jam to your own tunes.
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Music in the Heat
But the perks of working out aren't just for the gym! If you're into outdoor workouts, and it's sweltering where you live, then you absolutely need to bring your headphones and your favorite tunes. According to English et al. (2019), people who listened to music in a hot spot got 10% more done than those who didn't have music. If they'd done a study on weight training, I bet the results would have been the same. So, next time you're out in nature or at a warehouse gym, remember to bring your water and your headphones!
Speaking of water, have you ever wondered how much you should be drinking each day? Staying hydrated can be super beneficial, like helping you burn fat more effectively. You can find out all the great reasons to drink plenty of water by clicking on the image below.
Music Theory
Wondering how music can make your workouts better? There are several working theories, but we are going to discuss the two most popular opinions. One study showed that the rate of perceived exertion was lower when you listened to music. This means you don't feel as tired because you're listening to your favorite music. Therefore, since you don't feel as tired, you will work out harder and longer. More sets and more reps means improved performance whether your goal is to burn fat or build muscle.
Another theory is the increased adrenaline release because of your favorite music. The more adrenaline is flowing through your veins, the more you will break down carbs and fat for energy, thus allowing you to perform more work. This theory is very similar to the caffeine theory of giving you more energy. Caffeine has been scientifically proven to give your workouts a boost. Do you take caffeine before you work out? Click the image below to read more about the benefits of caffeine with exercise.
Music PLUS Caffeine
So we know that choosing your own music will give your workouts a boost. And studies have also confirmed that caffeine can improve your exercise performance. But what happens when you combine them? Qiu et al. (2005) showed picking your own playlist while working out had an additive effect. Music alone gives you a bump, caffeine alone also gives you a bump, and the study above proved that both together are even better. So from now on, drink your coffee, pick out your playlist, and smash that workout!
Speaking of coffee, if you want to see how I start each day, click on the image below for my favorite protein coffee recipe.
Summary
As you may have guessed, music does affect your workouts in a positive way. The science has concluded that workout performance definitely improves when you are listening to music during your workout. The key takeaway is to choose your own music when you are going to work out. Random gym music has some benefit, but not as much as your own playlist. So construct a playlist, drink your pre-workout, put on your headphones, and have a great workout!
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