By J. Spindler
If music can tame the savage beasts, can it also tame our workout? The answer is undeniably YES!
Working out, getting our bodies moving and our heart rates elevated to a fat-burning, endorphin-producing target heart rate is what it’s all about, right? So how do we get ourselves out there to the track, the gym, or the indoor cycling class on a regular basis, so we can get healthy and stay that way? The answer, friends, is simple: Music.
Music works like magic to keep exercise moving fast and hard. Once everyone is caught up in a musical groove, the mind naturally flows more with the rhythm of the music, and less with checking the watch. So rev up that exercise routine by putting some favorite tracks on the iPod and get everyone grooving, and moving.
Revving Up the Routine
No matter what the fitness routine, whether it’s dancing, jogging or taking a Spinning class, the challenge is always about staying with it, and reaching that endorphin high that makes it all seem easy. Sure, that’s great for a goal, but we all know there’s a naughty little part of our brain that keeps telling us it’s time to quit and kick back, well before our workout is over. Unfortunately, when that part of the brain wins, all our efforts towards getting in shape seem to be for naught. The good news is that music offers a real cure for the lack-of-motivation blues.
Studies show that music is a definite motivation enhancer. Music distracts us from pain and takes our minds into a different place—a place where memories and musical beats entwine, removing us from focus on our physical body.
The tempos and beats in songs, and even the mood and lyrics are all part of what compels an athlete to run or cycle harder and faster. Numerous psychologists have conducted studies of music and motivation over the years, and the results are so conclusive, some experts liken the effect of music on exercise routines to a powerful — yet legal — performance-enhancing drug. Wow.
Up that Cycle Routine with Music
Aerobics classes have used musical tracks as part of workout routines for years, and today, indoor cycling classes utilize music to keep cyclists working hard, even while staying on a stationary bike.
There’s no question that the benefits of spinning are enormous. The benefits include increased endurance, toned muscles in the legs and backside and weight loss. All of this comes from a low-impact workout that’s easy on the joints and exposes athletes to fewer injuries than a similarly challenging running regimen.
The musical aspect of these classes is also hugely beneficial, as studies also show that exercising to music seems to lead an athlete to use less oxygen during a workout, so they are working out more efficiently as they synchronize movements naturally to the beat of the music.
Ultimately, we all want to achieve the great results from our workouts while having fun at the same time. The addition of music is the key to achieving more results, faster, and with more fun. So crank up the iPod and start burning some calories!
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