It’s only natural that the rhythmic beats in music would make a perfect match for working out, which is full of coordination, concentration, and order, just like the components that make up a song. It’s important that one is concentrating when working out in order to see the best results and to avoid injury. Music has been a key tactic to help with concentration for years, and, according to science, there are several reasons as to why listening to music while working out can help you yield the best results.
The title of this post may be a bit misleading. Yes, there is a science behind different types of music and how they lend themselves to certain situations. For instance, it may be uncommon to listen to lullabies when trying to deadlift. However, with this being said, there is no real answer to exactly *what* type of music you should listen to in order to help you work out better. Rather, it’s *how* that music relates to you and *how* you’re listening to it that matters the most.
Likes and Dislikes
According to a recent article from Business Insider, there’s a debate of effectiveness between listening to music you love, and music you don’t in order to concentrate on a task. Both have similar pros on cons. Music you love can distract you because you have a connection, or it can relax you because of that connection. Similarly, music you don’t care as much for can act as ambient noise, or it can bother you to the point where it distracts you. Try both and see what works for you.
Volume
Blasting your gym music may not be in your best interest, either. Studies performed by researchers from a handful of international institutions have concluded that keeping noise and music levels at a moderate level is best for creative thinking. This is important while working out, as your brain is constantly processing your body’s ability to perform certain tasks, furthering your concentration.
Words Matter
Research from Cambridge Sound Management shows that one of the most distracting features about using music to focus is based around the lyrics of a song. For those who work out, however, having uplifting lyrics being powerfully belted right to your ears can be incredibly motivating. Reciting those words in your head can seem to distract you from any pain and fatigue as well. As research shows, however, concentration is the most important part of working out, so it’s best to ditch any music with lyrics that are distracting to you.
All in all, no one can tell you what works best for you and your body except for yourself. The important thing to do is some trial and error. Luckily, if you’re still at a loss for what to listen to, musical platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Pandora have stations and playlists put together for different events, such as working out, all in accordance to the research I’ve listed above and through listener contributions. There are plenty of different lists available to help you find the right fit for you. However, if Spotify, doesn’t have the right playlist for you, I’ve included a list here of some of the top workout songs of all time for inspiration.