It has been proven that listening to music during your work out and exercise routine can improve not only your performance, but your commitment -- not to mention enjoyment. Music engages our involvement, positively impacts our outlook and is a direct influence on our motivation.
According to Dr. Stacey Rosenfeld, a New York City-based psychologist, “music is indeed a strong motivational factor during our workouts. Research shows that people tend to work out longer and harder with musical accompaniment.”
Many of us appear detached while working out, not because we intentionally do not want to be disturbed, although this could be the case for some, but I, for one, am so focused during my workouts, especially cardio, that the type of music I choose to listen to is critical. Dr. Rosenfeld recommends, choosing music with over 135 beats per minute for more “challenging workouts and an increased mood enhancement.”
Conversely, exercises that call for regulated breathing techniques, require us to maintain a certain level of calmness. According to Pete Cerqua, author of The 90 Second Fitness Solution, “classical music is more beneficial than something with a faster beat. Classical helps you to stay focused on your breathing and helps you avoid rushing through the exercise.”
Sourcetone organizes music according to mood
Sourcetone is a music health company based in New York. Sourcetone conducts research along with Beth Israel Deaoness Medical Center at Harvard Medical School. Their joint research efforts study the effects of music on mood, activity, as well as the therapuetic effects music can have on a number of human conditions.
Sourcetone’s research has led to the development of the Music Classification System Technology® (MCSTTM) evaluative system. MCSTTM is able to analyze and classify any library of songs in order to organize, filter, and create streams of music that utilize the latest research outcomes from Harvard Medical School. Currently, the MCSTTM is the being used on Sourcetone’s beta site, Sourcetone Interactive Radio available at sourcetone.com (You would need the Flash player installed in order to experience the technology of Sourcetone).
"Our research indicates that arousing playlists from the MCSTTM evaluative system have been shown to increase heart rate and improve reaction time, certainly both desirable effects for exercise and performance," said Professor Robert Rowe, Sourcetone’s director of Research.
Workout playlist on Stefan Pinto's iPod Shuffle
These songs motivate me, help me to persevere and remind me to “not give up.” Perhaps they will do the same for you. Feel free to add your recommendations in the comments below. Enjoy.
