Workout music to one person is elevator music to another person. But no matter where your taste in music happens to fall, a few “truths” about the music you listen to while exercising will always hold true.
The music needs punch. By punch we mean that the feeling that needs to be conveyed is one of pure energy. The pulse, the punch, the tension that you feel will make you want to continue with your workout and strive to go faster and further.
While it is true that professional athletes concentrate on internal forces such as body and efficiency of movement, the rest of us mere mortals will divide our attention between the people that are working out around us, hopefully goals that we set, and anything that will motivate us to achieve those goals. And that is where good workout music comes into the picture.
There have been studies conducted that state that really good motivational songs and music will help rid you of any feelings of being tired and add to your overall performance level during your workout. Basically what the music does is get you in the “groove”. I’m sure you have been there before. You are jogging, riding a bike, or lifting weights and a loud beat with a powerful rhythm starts blasting through your headphones or speakers. You can really get into it and not want to stop your exercise until the song is over. You just can’t bring yourself to interrupt the beat or momentum that the music brings to you. Because of this you peddle further, run a extra mile, or do a few more repetitions. This is exactly how the music is suppose to help you.
So the question becomes, what are the right songs? For every person they will be different. One thing is for sure, up tempo will most certainly get your legs moving and your heart pumping. Even when just listening and not really exercising you tend to tap you feet and bounce around when a up tempo song is playing. Transfer that energy to exercise and you can see how it can be helpful.
Everybody has their own favorite music for workout. Here is just a partial list that people use during their workout routine:
- Eye of the Tiger…Survivor
- The Heat is On…..Glenn Fry
- Walk This Way……Aerosmith
- Under Pressure…..David Bowie
- Feeling Alright…….Joe Cocker
- Rio………………….Duran Duran
- We Got the Beat….The Go Go’s
- LA Women………..The Doors
- Faster Car………..Keith Urban
- Start Me Up……….Rolling Stones
And of course the list goes on and on. Everybody will have their favorite workout music mix. And there is nothing wrong with that. I’m sure that you probably have your own list of songs that inspire you to push yourself.
Music comes in real handy when doing a cardio workout. The more you can be filled with music and less obsessed with the reps or the burn the more you will be able to accomplish. Not only that but you exercise experience will be more enjoyable. That is what good music is really all about. It becomes the soundtrack to particular period of time during your day.
Music for exercise has been around as long as exercise itself. Before people started carrying around portable music devices, bands and recordings were played over PA systems. Music has always help to motivate people to achieve their goals.
Good workout music will inspire you to achieve more and be happy with the amount of work you are able to accomplish. There is no doubt that people need to push themselves in order to break out of a routine and set a new standard for themselves. Anything that helps people to accomplish that is certainly worth trying. And you can rest assured that there are plenty of people that will testify to the fact that music helps them in that department.
A good way to approach your workout plans is to sit in the quiet of your home or car and start to pick out the songs that you like listening to and that will get you motivated. Music for workout, pleasure, or motivation can all be the same as long as it accomplishes the goal that you are seeking. A good workout program will start off slow and build until your heart is pumping, you are sweating, and your limits are being tested. The music you are listening to should mirror the same path.
A fitness workout will keep you young and healthy. The music that accompanies your trip to the gym will also have the effect of keeping you young and healthy. Music has a certain way of transforming us to a place that is better than where we started out. And that is exactly how it helps us during a workout. The gym might be loud, smell of sweat, and can even be a chore, but the music you listen to can transport you to a place that is bright, crisp, and full of possibilities. The type of place you want to stay at and not leave. If that means a few extra minutes for your gym workout that will be fine.
I guess the one type of music that would be horrible to listen to during your workout program would be break up songs. They are so negative and depressing. Who can get inspired to press on while thinking negative thoughts like that?
A good workout exercise routine would always start with stretching and then a gradual build up to the max workout and then a cooling down period. Workout music should be just like that. When you stretch the music should be light and not too aggressive. When you are into your full blown workout the music needs a purpose, a beat, a pulse that creates tension, a long but definite build up to a crescendo. Then slowly decrease in speed and intensity while you cool down.
Did you know that Jane Fonda started the whole workout and stress reduction program craze back in the 1980’s. She had a workout for your abs, your buns and your thighs. And you can bet your bottom dollar that Jane listened to music as she worked out. I’m guessing Eye Of The Tiger was blasting as she did her aerobic routines. The 1980’s produced great workout music.
A hard workout deserves hard workout music. I’m thinking heavy metal. If you watch old videos from the MTV era you will see those people shaking the long hair on their heads like there was no tomorrow. I bet that burnt off more than a fuel calories. Of course all of those people are bald now. Wonder what they listen to?
When it comes to exercise workout music it is impossible not to give a mention to Olivia Newton-John of Grease Fame. Newton-John recorded the song “Lets Get Physical” and became a pioneer in the new music video business by filming a exercise video to the song. Well the song became synonymous with aerobics and made wearing a headband a fashion statement.
A good workout music cd can make all the difference in how your mind envisions you exercise time. If you listen to positive and energetic music you will probably view this time in the same manner. It is what you should strive for.
The bottom line is that workout music makes exercise more enjoyable.