Music is therapeutic, inspiring, uplifting, moving, and educational, among other things. There are countless ways we use music to get through the day, whether it's playing an upbeat song or playing a sad song repeatedly.
Music is beneficial for mental health in many ways and can be used for a variety of situations, according to Ronna Kaplan, a music therapist and adjunct professor of music therapy at Cleveland State University.
Among them is while exercising. It might be a key component in advancing your workout. This is how:
Your body naturally moves in time with a song's rhythm, which can assist you in maintaining a set pace.
There's a reason why when a song starts playing, your foot starts tapping or your shoulders start moving. Joy Allen, chair of music therapy and director of Berklee College of Music's music and health institute, claims that rhythmic entrainment, which she refers to as an "unconscious reaction," is the cause of this.
As a result, Allen explained that when it comes to exercising, your body will naturally match the tempo of the music "because of the way that our brains are connected with rhythm.”
As a result, when working out, such as going for a walk or run, you should choose music that is close to the tempo of your natural stride. Play with different songs and [go] [with] what feels [comfortable] for you," she advised.
You can quicken your pace by listening to music.
Choose a song with a pace that is a little faster than your typical running or walking stride if you're looking for an added challenge; this should help you move more quickly throughout your workout.
If you want to increase the speed of your walking or running, Kaplan advises starting with a song with a slower tempo and gradually picking up the tempo by choosing songs with faster beats.
It encourages.
How frequently have people entered the gym only to realize they were missing their headphones, leading to a less-than-stellar workout or even leaving the facility altogether? This happens frequently, as Allen noted: There's a big reason why so many people's workouts involve music.
There are several factors that contribute to the motivational effects of the music you listen to while working out.
Your favorite song should be the first on your exercise playlist because it will likely motivate you to work out longer. Second, if you play unexpected music (such as reggaeton instead of your usual pop soundtrack), you might end up dancing longer than usual because you'll be eager to hear what the song has in store for you next.
Focusing on the same thing repeatedly can be fantastic sometimes, but other times we grow weary of it because we anticipate it, so it will be less effective overall, according to Allen.
Furthermore, music is annoying.
Nobody wants to concentrate during a strenuous workout. They would rather not think about it, if anything. Songs allow your mind to wander throughout an exercise regimen so you don't have to stand (or sit) there and think about how difficult your workout is as you sing along to the lyrics or are reminded of music-induced memories.
Additionally, music prevents boredom from setting in during a workout, which can happen when doing something relatively routine, like walking on a treadmill, according to Allen. By providing your mind with something else to think about, music stimulates the brain.
It draws your attention, making you think, "Oh, here's something I'm listening to," Allen explained. This distracts you from the exercise's potential discomfort and gives you something else to concentrate on.
When you choose your music, you'll gain even more advantages.
When someone chooses the music they're listening to, Kaplan contends, they'll achieve better results, whether they're working out or engaging in a practice like meditation.
According to a recent study conducted by Samford University's Department of Kinesiology in Alabama, "performance may suffer if the music played over the speakers is not preferred by the individual giving effort. In order to maximize performance and training, coaches and athletes should take individual musical tastes into account.
This emphasizes the motivation you experience when exercising to your favorite music.
Additionally, according to Kaplan, working out to music you choose may make you feel happier and cause you to enjoy your workout more. That's a win-win situation.
This could increase your likelihood of working out again that week, which is a great way to reach your fitness objectives.
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