The Surprising Truth About Music and Your Workout

How Your Workout Playlist May Be Holding You Back

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You’re always looking for ways to improve your performance and reach your goals.

Right?

RIGHT?!

But have you ever stopped to consider the science behind why? As it turns out that there’s a lot more to it than you might have realized.

And in this blog post, I dive into the surprising truth about music and your workouts. Are you ready to learn more about how music may be holding you back?

Let’s get started!

Have you ever found yourself slowing down or changing your pace to match the beat of your workout music? Or, that certain songs distract you, causing you to lose focus on your form and technique? This is because music has the power to influence your behavior and emotions in ways you may not even be aware of 🤯.

Studies have shown that fast-paced music can increase your heart rate¹, making you feel more energized and motivated to push harder 💪. Music with lyrics or a slower beat can slow down your pace and decrease your performance. The surprising truth is that the music you choose to listen to can either enhance or hinder your results.

Are you making the most of your workout with the right music? Or are you unknowingly holding yourself back?

Before we dive into the surprising truth about music and your workouts, why is this topic relevant to you?

As a hybrid athlete, you’re always looking for ways to improve your performance and reach your goals, yeah? But did you know that the music you listen to during your workouts could be holding you back?

Studies have shown that music with a fast beat interferes with the body’s natural rhythm². This can cause you to move less efficiently. Leading to fatigue, injury, and a decrease in performance. But, music with a slow, steady beat can help you maintain a consistent pace and improve your endurance.

So, you may be thinking,

“I’ve always listened to music during my workouts and it’s never been a problem before.”

-You

Well, because it hasn’t been a problem in the past does not mean it’s not impacting your performance in negative ways. It’s time to start paying attention to the role music plays in your workouts. Taking control of this often overlooked aspect of most athletes’ training.

Are you ready to uncover the surprising truth about music and your workout? It’s time to take a closer look and make the changes necessary to reach your goals as a hybrid athlete.

The Benefits of Music During Workouts

Do you ever struggle to keep your energy levels up during your workout; Despite downing a massive shot of pre-workout 🤣! Even if you have the ‘perfect’ playlist blasting in your earbuds?

Well, you’re not alone!

This is a common problem among hybrid athletes, and the reason is simple:

Music can have both positive and negative impacts on your energy levels, motivation, and performance!

Have you ever considered the impact that music is having on your workout routine? I mean, based on the previous paragraphs, I am going to say this is a big fat NO! Music has a powerful impact on your energy levels, motivation, and performance. So, it’s crucial to understand the effects that different types of music can have on your workout. Being deliberate on your tunes is key.

Think about it -

✅ Have you ever been to the gym and heard a song that pumped you the F up? It made you want to work harder!

✅ ✅ Or, have you ever been running or cycling and a slow, boring song made you feel sluggish and unmotivated?

The right music can give you a boost of energy, help you stay focused, and improve your performance 💪. Likewise, the wrong music can drain your energy, distract you, and make you want to call it quits early 😔.

Well then, how can you tell which music is right for you during your workout?

It’s all about understanding the impact that different genres of music can have on your body and mind. For example, up-tempo music with a fast beat can increase your heart rate and energy levels. The effect of this can make you feel more motivated to push through your workout. Similarly, slow, mellow music can make you feel sluggish and KILL your motivation.

By understanding the impact that music can have on your energy levels, motivation, and performance, you’ll be able to choose the right songs and get the most out of your workout.

The Negative Effects of Music During Workouts

Have you ever been in the middle of a workout, pumped and ready to go, when a song comes on that completely throws you off your game? Or you’ve found yourself so engrossed in a playlist that you’ve lost track of time and pushed yourself too hard?

These distractions can be detrimental to your performance. And ultimately, hold you back from reaching your full potential.

It’s not only about the wrong song coming on at the wrong time. Music directly impacts your energy levels and motivation during your complete workout. The reality is, music has a huge impact on our emotions and can either boost or hinder our performance.

So, the question is, how can we use music to our advantage during workouts without letting it become a distraction? It’s crucial to strike a balance between using music to enhance your performance and being mindful of its drawbacks.

When you’re pushing yourself to the limit, the last thing you want is to get knocked out of the zone by a song that doesn’t fit the mood. On the other hand, if you’re feeling low energy and unmotivated, a banger could be EXACTLY what you need.

I know I keep saying the same thing, but it’s important to understand that music has a powerful effect on our emotions.

Workout or not!

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Have you ever been in the middle of a workout, listening to music, and suddenly realize that you have been ☁️ daydreaming for the past five minutes ☁️? Or have you ever caught yourself bobbing your head to the beat instead of focusing on your form during your exercise? Well, you’re not alone.

Music has the power to evoke emotions, transport us to a different time and place, and enhance our workout experience. But at the same time, it can also be a major distraction, especially for those who are easily prone to be sidetracked.

Research shows that music has a significant impact on our attention and focus³, and often, it can detract from our performance. When we listen to music, our brains release dopamine, a chemical responsible for regulating mood and motivation. Yet, this release of dopamine can also cause us to lose focus and become even more distracted.

So, the question is:

Is it worth it to trade focus and attention for a boost in motivation and energy?

That’s a decision you’ll have to make for yourself. But, it’s important to understand the potential negative effects of music on your attention and focus during your workout.

Are you willing to risk losing focus during your workout for the sake of a few extra beats per minute? Take time to consider the impact of music on your attention and focus and make an informed decision. Ask yourself, do you want to be fully present and focused during your workout, or do you want to risk losing your edge for the sake of a catchy tune 🎶?

The choice is easy, at least for me ( Hint, I don’t use music, unless I’m lifting HEAVY 💪 )

While many believe that music enhances performance, the truth is that it may not be the best choice for everyone. In fact, for some individuals, music can actually hinder performance because of distractions.

If you find yourself easily distracted in your day-to-day life, you may want to reconsider incorporating music. Research has shown that music can be a major source of distraction³.

But what about the argument that music can increase energy levels and motivation? While this may be true for some individuals, it is important to consider that every person is unique. What works for one person may not work for another. Music can have the opposite effect, reducing energy levels and motivation.

So, what should you do?

The best approach is to experiment and find what works best for you. If you find that music helps to enhance your performance and motivation, then by all means, keep it! But if you find that it is a major distraction, it may be best to avoid it altogether.

Remember, the key to a successful workout is finding what works best for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment for yourself and your individual needs. By doing so, you can take your performance to the next level and reach your fitness goals 💪. Which, is the goal, yeah?

Finding the Right Balance for Your Workout

It’s time to learn how to select the right music for your workout!

There is a reason they have those pump-up songs before a big game. You can use it for your workout to get you pumped up and ready to go! Do you also use a slow, soothing melody to help you relax and unwind after a long day?

Music has a significant impact on our emotions and energy levels. This is why it is essential to choose the right tracks for your workout — if any at all!

How do you create a playlist that matches the intensity and pace of your exercise, you ask?

First, it’s important to understand the tempo and beats per minute (BPM) of your workout music. Music with a tempo of around 120–140 BPM can increase your heart rate, which can help improve your performance; Depending on your routine, ofc.

Next, consider the type of workout you’re doing. For example, if you’re going for a run, you’ll want to choose upbeat music to match the pace of your steps. If you’re lifting weights, you may want to consider more bass-driven tracks that can help you power through those reps. I am partial to very aggressive hardcore / metal 🤘.

But what about focus and motivation? Music can significantly impact our motivation levels. It’s essential to choose songs that not only match the pace of your workout but also align with your goals and motivations!

As mentioned before, it’s time to experiment and find what works best for you! Try out different genres, tempos, and playlists to see what gives you the most energy and motivation. Don’t be afraid to switch things up and try new things — Kpop anyone, 🤣?

Selecting the right music for your workout can either enhance or demolish your focus, motivation, and performance! So why settle for mediocre workouts when you can turn up the volume and make the most of your time? Give it a try and see how it can revolutionize your workout routine!

This is the End 😭

OK. Let’s take a step back and reflect on the key points we’ve covered. While music can certainly be a motivator, it’s not the be-all and end-all of workout enhancement.

We’ve discussed how music can be a distraction, especially for those who are easily swayed. It can also negatively impact attention and focus, causing you to lose track of form and technique.

We’ve also explored how music can boost energy levels, motivation, and performance. By selecting the right music for your workout, and creating a playlist that matches the intensity and pace of your exercise, you can maximize its benefits.

So, what’s the takeaway from all this? It’s simple!

🎉 Find the right balance for your workouts! 🎉

Not everyone responds the same way to music, and that’s okay! The important thing is to experiment and figure out what works best for you.

That’s why I want to leave you with a call to action. Try incorporating different types of music into your workout routine. Pay attention to how it affects your energy, motivation, and performance. Who knows, you may discover the surprising truth about music and your workout for yourself!

Thanks for reading 🙏!

Don't forget to follow me on our social media for more tips, inspiration and community support! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok under the handle @BarretNobelFit.

See you in the next post!

SOURCES:

¹: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/tuning-in-how-music-may-affect-your-heart

²: https://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2005/10/10/1478792.htm

³: https://www.uagc.edu/blog/how-does-music-affect-your-brain