Music and working out
MORE often now than ever, the gym or exercise experience is complemented by high- intensity music being played in the facility, or from enthusiasts’ earphones.
The connection between exercise and music has been researched by many, and one of the most common findings is that it helps people move faster during exercise or more in sync with the tempo. But Rohan Gordon, personal trainer at Eden Gardens Wellness Resort and Spa, said while music will dictate how fast or how slow you go, it will not affect the calories being burnt.
“Once the intensity of the exercise remains the same and is maintained over the time spent exercising, then you will achieve something,” he said.
“It will all boil down to self-discipline and what you really want. Back in the day we didn’t have iPods, mp3 players or CD players, and people still got the job done. All of this music that is playing and that we have access to is part of entertainment.”
Below Gordon explains some of the ways in which music aids exercise.
1. You get the extra drive
“If you should work out on a treadmill it will push you and give you that drive to find that inner strength to move,” Gordon said.
2. Working out becomes creative
Gordon said music can improve the creativity of your workout. “Most of us like to listen to pumping music while exercising, and when we are powering through our exercises we need a level of hype which will cause us to think up moves or even dance throughout the exercise,” he said.
3. It might divert attention from the pain
“Listening to music can drown out our brain’s cries of fatigue. As our bodies realise we’re tired and want to stop exercising, signals are sent to the brain to stop for a break. Listening to music competes for our brain’s attention, and can help us to override those signals of fatigue,” Gordon said.
4. It’s fun
Two important qualities of workout music are tempo and speed. “This is called rhythm response. Most people have an instinct to move to the music, and expressions of this include nodding their heads and tapping their feet. Fast songs with fast beats are more stimulating and for most people the workout is more fun, especially if they have an appreciation for the genre,” Gordon said.
5. Energy is used more efficiently
Gordon said many people do not feel the need to run or walk in the exact timing as their workout music, but he said synchrony may help the body use energy more efficiently.
