Benefits of Music While Working Out
Trying to reach your desired speed or HIIT workout times? Music may be the missing ingredient you need for improved performance. Recent studies from Canada have confirmed music's essential role in pushing athletes during strenuous workouts and exercises. Let up-tempo, uplifting melodies power you through those last few reps and help maximize your training results!
A study conducted by Psychology of Sport & Exercise demonstrated the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) when 24 participants were asked to complete three sets of 20-second maximum effort sprints with two minutes of low intensity cycling in between. The warmup and cooldown created a total exercise time period lasting only 10 minutes!
The participants underwent this routine three times: the first time with a rousing, upbeat song (over 120 beats per minute), the second while tuning into a podcast and finally in complete silence.
Fascinatingly, the research discovered that when participants played rousing and vigorous music, their heart rates and peak power output significantly increased in comparison to those without any audio or a podcast. Even more remarkably, they expressed enjoyment of the workout much higher than before after selecting lively tracks!
Matthew Stork, Ph.D., a postdoctoral fellow at the University of British Columbia’s School of Health and Exercise Sciences believes that this phenomenon is likely caused by an amalgamation of psychological and physiological influences.
Amazingly, the human brain is capable of entertainment, as discovered by Stork. Entrainment describes our ability to synchronize with music and reveals why listening can stimulate an increased heart rate.
In conclusion, this research proves that a carefully chosen soundtrack can help you achieve your fitness goals faster. With the right music, you'll be able to push yourself further and work at an intensity level that is closer to your maximum capabilities.
So what are you waiting for? Put on some tunes and get ready for an intense workout! Good luck and have a great workout! Keep pushing yourself and reach your goals!
