Workout Songs

Why Listen to Music?

Music has many benefits when it is included as part of a regular exercise regimen. Upbeat tunes can be motivating even for reluctant exercisers, and a well chosen song can help regulate movements and coordination for a more rigorous, consistent workout. Focusing on lyrics and rhythm can also distract you from the fatigue of a workout and help you build better endurance. Some songs, such as dance mixes and specialized aerobics songs, can also help coordinate an entire workout from warm up to cool down. By choosing great workout music, you can feel more energetic and optimistic about your exercise routines, which in turn can help you develop better exercise habits for a healthy lifestyle.

Choosing Workout Songs

Several factors go into choosing appropriate workout music.

• Genre: Choose the type of music you prefer to listen to. While rock music may have great rhythm and be perfect for a workout, you won’t want to exercise with it if you’re a country music fan.
• Lyrics: Selecting music with optimistic or energetic lyrics can help you focus on the music during your workout rather than focusing on fatigue or an unwillingness to exercise.
• Length: Ideally, workout songs should provide a reasonably challenging exercise pace for 20 to 30 minutes. You can arrange playlists to accommodate the length of workout you want, or you can intersperse slower songs periodically to create an interval training program.
• Warm Up and Cool Down: Include slower paced songs with more gradual tempo changes for the warm up and cool down periods of your workout. This will help you remember to acclimate your body to the workout in order to minimize injury risks.
• Variety: Opt for a variety of different songs rather than just a few workout songs that play repeatedly. Just as it is wise to vary a workout to prevent boredom or excessive strain, changing music can provide additional motivation and interest to your routine.
• Rhythm: The rhythm of your workout music can dramatically impact your performance by helping with your pacing and coordination. Ideally, the tempo of the music should correspond to the types of activities you plan to do. Walking, for example, is a slower and less intense activity that works well with music playing 115 to 140 beats per minute. Aerobics, spinning workouts, and other cardio activities work best when accompanied by music between 120 and 150 beats per minute. Running and other high intensity activities are effective when set to music between 140 and 160 beats per minute.

Where to Find Playlists

Personalize your playlist.

It is easy to customize your own playlist for an iPod, CD, or mp3 player with your favorite tunes to take to the gym. For recommendations for the best workout songs as well as music compilations available for purchase, consider these resources:

• Pod Fitness
• Fitness Magazine
• Life Script
• Workout Music Video
• InTheGym.net
• Technosweat
• Daily Tunes
• My Walking Music

For more information about other types of music, visit LoveToKnow Music.

More Workout Music Tips

Once you’ve picked the best workout music for your exercise regimen and you’re ready to hit the gym, fitness center, or track, these tips can help you make the most of your tunes.

• Rotate the music you listen to on a regular basis to keep it from becoming stale or predictable.
• Keep the volume level at a respectable setting to prevent hearing damage, avoid offending other exercisers with songs they don’t appreciate, and stay safe by being aware of other noises such as traffic or warning signals.
• Do not use music as an excuse to push your body beyond its limitations. Be aware of signs of excessive fatigue, pain, or strain to keep your body healthy.
• Drink plenty of water while working out to stay hydrated and alert.
• Investigate accessories such as belt clips or arm sleeves for your portable music devices to your hands are free to exercise rather than holding on to music equipment.
• Customize playlists prior to beginning your workout so no exercise time is wasted finding the right songs.

Whether you like rap, rock, or R&B, the right workout songs can make your exercise regimen a stimulating experience rather than a painful chore, and you’ll quickly find yourself moving to the beat of a healthier lifestyle.