We all know that music is a wonderful way to boost our mood. When it comes to workout motivation not all music is created equal. Learn the science as to which types of music can push us harder and longer when it comes to fitness workouts.
Love this funny and familiar You Tube video about a grocery store excursion made so much more fun, with great music.
The Incredible Power of Music
I get such a kick hearing when friends have difficulty resisting the urge to dance when they hear Mojo songs in public places. Music to my ears! It means that you associate our challenging HIIT class with a positive “club-like” experience.
I get such a kick hearing when friends have difficulty resisting the urge to dance when they hear Mojo songs in public places. Music to my ears! It means that you associate our challenging HIIT class with a positive “club-like” experience.
I frequently get asked how I select Mojo songs. I gotta admit, it’s not easy! Finding songs that are rousing enough to cut through fatigue – class after class – is a science I’m constantly working to perfect…
- The song has to have a distinct beat with an upbeat speed. The majority of our songs are sped up. If you have ever heard the songs “Levitate” or “Physical” by Dua Lipa, it’s almost comical how slowwww they are.
- I’m a lyric nerd. I like listening to all kinds of songs, regardless of lyrics, but since Mojo music is heard very repetitively, and we hang on to the song’s energy to pull us through fatigue, they become a mantra of sorts. Likewise, if a song has a negative tilt to it, the energy drags us down and (in my opinion) seeps into our soul.
- Timing is everything If a song is too popular, or a familiar “oldie”, the “meh” factor will arrive quicker than a new song. If I can get it on our playlist before people are sick of it, that’s the BEST.
- The lyrics and beat can’t be too repetitive or the fatigue factor sets in quicker and our sweat sesh turns into “exercise” (the horror!).
Quick Tip: I avoid listening to Mojo songs outside of class – I consider those songs to be fragile, must-have, fitness accessories that I don’t want to wear out.
I have privately researched music and movement for 16 years. Until now, I had no idea there was specific scientific research on why certain types of music do, indeed, push us harder and longer. It’s a surprisingly precise science I think you will find fascinating.
It all starts with…
Rhythm and Entrainment ( A new word for me!) Our bodies have a natural tendency to synchronize with external rhythms, a phenomenon called “entrainment.” Music with a strong, consistent beat, particularly in the range of 120-140 beats per minute (BPM), creates a “rhythm response.” This can lead to:
- More efficient movement: Synchronizing our steps and movements to a beat can make our bodies work more economically, requiring less oxygen for the same effort.
- Increased stamina: By subconsciously guiding our pace, music helps us maintain a consistent intensity for longer periods without feeling as fatigued. Studies even suggest music can increase endurance by up to 15%.
- Elevated heart rate: Faster-tempo music can even lead to a slightly elevated heart rate during HIIT, potentially enhancing the cardiovascular benefits of the workout.
- Distraction and Reduced Perceived Exertion (RPE): Music acts as a powerful distractor, diverting our attention away from the physical discomfort and sensations of fatigue that accumulate during high-intensity exercise.
- Competing sensory stimuli: The auditory input from the music competes with the internal signals of exertion (like heavy breathing and muscle burn), making the workout feel less taxing than it actually is.
- Mood elevation: Enjoyable music triggers the release of “feel-good” hormones like serotonin and dopamine in the brain. This positive emotional state can make you perceive the effort as less strenuous and increase your motivation to continue.
- Psychological and Emotional Impact: Music has a profound effect on our emotions and mental state, which directly influences our exercise performance.
- Increased motivation and focus: Upbeat and motivational music creates a sense of energy, excitement, and determination, pushing us to work harder and stay focused on our workout.
- Task-relevant imagery and positive affirmations: Lyrics, especially in motivational songs, provide mental cues and positive self-talk that encourage us to push past our perceived limits
- Heightened arousal: Stimulative music increases physiological arousal, preparing our body for intense activity and potentially leading to greater power output.
- Groove and the Urge to Move: Certain songs possess a “groove,” which is scientifically shown to activate the motor areas of the brain. This literally creates an urge to move and dance, making the HIIT session feel less like work and more enjoyable.
Life is topsy-turvy. When times are tough, it’s natural to feel sorry for ourselves and wait for time to pass and make it all go away. If this is you, this is your gentle nudge to SNAP out of it. Don’t waste another precious moment on the sidelines before you jump in again. Time flies quickly enough as it is.
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