Move to the music

1. Fast pace performance

High-tempo songs tend to improve exercising as you find yourself syncing your workout to the beat of the tracks. Multiple studies have evidenced faster-paced music can increase not just your heart rate but also your pace or repetitions. Pick your playlist carefully though, as there is an optimum speed to maximise results – you want to be aiming between 120 and 140 beats per minute.

2. Channel your inner athlete

There are countless benefits of listening to music to tune out and get in the zone. As it serves as a distraction it allows you to increase your concentration, find your focus and improve your self-confidence. Athletes are no stranger to this strategy; you will often see them filling up on their favourite tunes before a game or competition. Mo Farrah, Chris Hoy and Bradley Wiggins are just a few of our Great British Olympians who shared songs that were on their mind before competing at London 2012.

3. Increase your endurance

Music makes you move, groove and for longer times too! Scientifically, listening to music can actually lower your perceived effort of an activity by 12%. It can definitely be a useful diversion from tiredness or aches before your exercising endorphins kick in. This has a vast impact on your workout duration, with research confirming your endurance can increase by up to 15%, simply by having your headphones to hand and pressing play.

4. Sustain your change 

Feelings of positivity have been associated with music, so why not increase your enjoyment of working out? Songs are proven to boost motivation, calm nerves or anxiety and help build up your positive mental attitude. Whether you are just starting out or struggling to get into a routine, research proves listening to music and all its positive affects make you more inclined to come back! Who knew songs could help sustain your fitness?

From a faster pace to finding energised focus, increasing both your endurance and enjoyment, music might just be your secret weapon when exercising. Don’t panic though, we aren’t expecting any world records just yet!