Have you ever noticed how music affects not only your mood but also the pace at which you do things? Grocery stores play love songs, soft rock and jazz to encourage you to stroll leisurely through the aisles so that you buy more. The same for malls and large box stores. Most gyms tend to play something with a stronger beat, a faster rhythm that seems to make your workout easier or go quicker. What music can help you do isn’t just in your head – there’s scientific proof of what it does for your workout.
For example, a 2006 study that looked at the effect of music on the selection of treadmill speed found that while listening to fast-paced music, participants increased their pace and distance travelled without becoming more tired. A 2010 study by sport psychologist C.I. Karageorghis showed that music can improve athletic performance in two ways: it can either delay fatigue or increase work capacity.
Another study by E. Altenmüller, & G. Schlaug, showed that participants who listened to music they thought was “pleasing” had higher levels of serotonin, the feel-good hormone. You can use these findings to your advantage on a daily basis when deciding what selection of songs are the background music for your life.
So, the next time you are cleaning the house, doing the laundry or working out at home, ask Alexa to play a song that will make your heart beat a little faster, your work go a little quicker, and your body burn a few more calories.
Here are some great suggestions for motivational music from our own staff.
Krissy R.-Queen’s Don’t Stop Me Now - I’m a big fan of Classic Rock and Queen was one of my Dad’s favorite bands, so I grew up listening to them. I love to run to this song because the words make me want to run faster!
Rocco L.-ACDC’s Thunderstruck-This is a fun song I'll do with my clients as a finisher sometimes where every time "thunder" or "thunder struck" is said we all do a burpee; Foo Fighters’ Walk; Kenny Loggins’ I'm Alright.
Winona H.- Imagine Dragons’ Whatever It Takes - This song is a definite motivator when you can tell a client wants to quit mid workout; Pharrell Williams’ Happy; Cage the Elephant’s Ain't No Rest for the Wicked.
Alexandria B.-Meghan Trainor’s Me too
Jenna A.-Whitney Houston’s Dance With Somebody – puts a smile on my face and puts me in a good mood afterwards.
Mike H.-Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk
Betty D.-Bruce Springsteen’s Born in the USA
Chrissy A.-DJ Laz’s Move shake drop; ICY GRL’s Saweetie; Travis Porter’s Bring it Back; Pitbull’s Go Girl
Lisa C.- Pitbull’s Time of Our Lives, Don’t Stop the Party, Feel This Moment - My class members and clients know that I always play music by PITBULL with every workout, and they love it because it makes them happy while they work out.
L.J. Mattraw-AC/DC’s Thunderstruck-always gets me fired up and ready to lift! It takes me back to High School Football and Basketball when we would use it for a team intro song.
Wendy C.-Survivor’s Eye of The Tiger - I picture Sylvester Stallone running with the log across his shoulders. I do that in my obstacle course in the yard! Other Important Resources:
Music and Exercise: How Music Affects Exercise Motivation https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/blog/5763/music-and-exercise-how-music-affects-exercise-motivation/#:~:text=Music%20improves%20motor%20coordination.,a%20positive%20association%20with%20exercise.
Music and Exercise: What Current Research Tells Us https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/why-music-moves-us/201301/music-and-exercise-what-current-research-tells-us