If you are looking for ways to improve your workout experience, look no further. Check out these reasons why you should incorporate music into your workout to see the immediate benefits it could have on your routine.

Rhythm Responses

Moving to the beat can have actual scientific benefits to your workout. Rhythm response is how your body instinctively responds to a song based on its rhythm and tempo. As such, rhythm and tempo are the most important factors to think about when creating your workout playlist. Consider choosing songs with beats that match your heart rate during the course of your workout; this helps stimulate your body for an intense workout.

Runners tend to prefer songs with 160 BPM (beats per minute) when on a treadmill. There are even apps that will help match songs with the right BPM for your workout.

Additionally, a 2012 study conducted by Sheffield Hallam University found that participants who cycled in time to music required seven percent less oxygen than cyclists who were not synchronized with the music. It’s safe to say that people can rely on music to help them keep their pace by simply moving to the beat.

Distraction

You’re burning energy and calories, sweat is dripping down your face, and suddenly, all you can think about is how tired you are. This happens to everyone, but combating those nagging tired thoughts can make the difference in having a successful workout. When you listen to music, your brain focuses more on the music and has less time to process how the body feels.

We all like to think we're great multi-taskers, but we can easily trick or distract our brains whenever we want. There is a reason competitive marathon runners aren't allowed to listen to music; it provides a real advantage, especially in those moments when it seems you have nothing left in the tank. The right song will distract you from your pain because you're too busy singing along.

Boost Morale

Another advantage of a well-paced, distracting song is its ability to keep your morale high even in the most challenging moments. When you're working out, there is a tendency to take things too seriously. People get frustrated with their abilities, or they become too tired to have fun. However, this line of thinking can be detrimental and may make you associate working out with having a bad time.

If you want to commit to working out long term, it’s vital that you genuinely enjoy the exercises you do. You won’t want to do something three times a week if you hate doing it. So, when you listen to your music, dance along or sing along. Pretend you’re jamming out in your car and no one is watching. The more fun you have, the more you’ll want to work out.

Now that you know the reasons why you should incorporate music into your workout, you're one step closer to perfecting your workout routine. If you are looking for more ways to improve your workouts, check out American Home Fitness for exercise equipment in Lansing, DMA!