Can listening to music during exercise boost your workout?

You wake up in the morning and follow the usual course. Get ready and head to the gym. But you miss a spark. Suddenly, you hear your favourite track being played in the background, and voila, you get that boost of energy to make the most of your session. Listening to music while working out not only alleviates boredom but can also amp up your stamina and elevate your mood. Yes, listening to musing during exercise can have physical and psychological effects.

Health Shots got in touch with Jaisleen Kaur, Image Consultant, Soft Skills Trainer & Life Coach, Dehradun, to get to know the benefits of listening to music while exercising.

How listening to music during exercise can improve your workout?

The synergy between rhythmic beats and physical movement is not merely a coincidence. It is rooted in the intricate workings of our brain and body.

1. Music establishes a sync between body and beat

“Music is known to have a unique quality – its ability to synchronize with our body’s movements. Known as rhythmic entrainment, this phenomenon occurs when our movements align with the tempo of the music,” says the expert. Training our body to the rhythm enhances energy efficiency, boosting endurance and overall performance. As the beat guides our steps, our workout becomes not just a physical endeavour but a rhythmic dance of body and melody.

2. Brain responds to music

Behind the scenes, our brain responds to music by releasing dopamine, the pleasure-inducing neurotransmitter. This release creates a sense of pleasure and reward, diminishing the perception of effort and discomfort during exercise. The result? A heightened sense of enjoyment and motivation encourages us to push through challenges and reach new fitness heights.

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3. Music diverts attention from fatigue

Strenuous workout can feel tiring and you might feel more fatigue than fun. Music can act as an effective distraction from the feelings of fatigue and pain. By captivating our attention, it diverts our focus from physical discomfort, making the exercise feel less arduous. This diversion effect enables individuals to endure longer and engage in more intense activities, transforming a potentially gruelling workout into an enjoyable experience”.

4. Music can motivate

Music can evoke strong emotions and memories. When a song resonates emotionally, it enhances motivation and determination. Positive emotions generated by music boost self-belief and confidence, empowering individuals to set and achieve higher fitness goals. The emotional connection with music transforms exercise from a routine task to a deeply personal and motivating journey.

Also read: Playing piano may be good for mind! 4 ways music benefits mental health

5. Music can enhance focus during exercise

“Engaging with music on a cognitive level get your mind moving for a better workout. Predicting the next beat or understanding complex musical patterns enhances focus and concentration,” shares the expert. This cognitive engagement enables precise movements and coordination during exercises, particularly in activities requiring complex motor skills. The brain’s workout, combined with physical exercise, enhances overall cognitive function.

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6. Reduces perceived exertion

Music has the remarkable ability to lower perceived exertion. When individuals feel that their workout is less strenuous, they are encouraged to exercise 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 during exercise is a personalised experience

“One of the most unique benefits of incorporating music into exercise routines is that you can personalise the experience. Each person has unique musical preferences, and finding the right genre or playlist can create a tailored workout ambiance. Whether it’s the soothing melodies of classical music for yoga or the energetic beats of hip-hop for intense cardio, music can be customized to suit individual tastes and fitness goals,” says the expert.