by You wake up in the morning and follow the usual course. Get ready and head to the gym. But you’re missing a spark. Suddenly you hear your favorite track playing in the background, and voilà, you get that energy boost to get the most out of your session. Listening to music while working out not only alleviates boredom, but can also increase your stamina and improve your mood. Yes, listening to meditate while exercising can have physical and psychological effects.
Health Shots contacted Jaisleen Kaur, Image Consultant, Soft Skills Trainer and Life Coach, Dehradun, to find out the benefits of listening to music while exercising.
How listening to music while exercising can improve your workout?
The synergy between rhythmic beats and physical movement is not just a coincidence. It is rooted in the complex functioning of our brain and body.
1. Music establishes synchronization between the body and the rhythm
“Music is known to have a unique quality: its ability to synchronize with the movements of our bodies. Known as rhythm entrainment, this phenomenon occurs when our movements align with the tempo of the music,” explains the expert. Training our body to pace improves energy efficiency, thereby increasing endurance and overall performance. As rhythm guides our steps, our training becomes not only a physical effort but a rhythmic dance of body and melody.
2. The brain responds to music
Behind the scenes, our brain responds to music by releasing dopamine, the pleasure-inducing neurotransmitter. This release creates a feeling of pleasure and reward, decreasing the perception of effort and discomfort during exercise. The result? An increased sense of enjoyment and motivation encourages us to take on challenges and reach new heights in fitness.
3. Music distracts from fatigue
Intense training can be tiring and you might feel more tired than happy. Music can act as an effective distraction from feelings of fatigue and pain. By capturing our attention, it takes our attention away from physical discomfort, making exercise less painful. This diversionary effect allows individuals to last longer and engage in more intense activities, thereby transforming a potentially exhausting workout into an enjoyable experience.”
4. Music can motivate
Music can evoke strong emotions and memories. When a song resonates emotionally, it builds motivation and determination. The positive emotions generated by music boost self-confidence, allowing individuals to set and achieve higher fitness goals. The emotional connection with music transforms exercise from a routine task into a deeply personal and motivating journey.
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Also read: Playing the piano can be good for the mind! 4 Ways Music Benefits Mental Health
5. Music can improve concentration during exercise
“Engaging with music on a cognitive level gets your mind moving for a better workout.” Predicting the next beat or understanding complex musical patterns improves concentration,” shares the expert. This cognitive engagement allows for precise movements and coordination during exercises, especially in activities requiring complex motor skills. Brain training, combined with physical exercise, improves overall cognitive function.
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6. Reduces perceived exertion
Music has the remarkable ability to reduce the perception of effort. When individuals feel their workout is less intense, they are encouraged to exercise for longer and at a higher intensity. This alteration in the perception of effort transforms the exercise narrative, making physical activity not only easier but also more enjoyable.
7. Listening to music while exercising is a personalized experience
“One of the most unique benefits of incorporating music into exercise programs is that you can personalize the experience. Everyone has unique music preferences, and finding the right genre or playlist can create a tailored workout vibe. Whether it’s the soothing melodies of classical music for yoga or the energetic beats of hip-hop for intense cardio, the music can be personalized to suit individual tastes and fitness goals,” says the expert.
