Music As a Motivator

Remember the days when you used to make a mix tape for the person you cared about the most?  OK, so maybe I just aged myself a bit but music is powerful.  It can be a motivating force, it can calm you during stressful times, it can block out unwanted noise, it can even help you lower your blood pressure.  Music is powerful and it's time to use that to your advantage.

Most people have some sort of MP3 player or smart phone that has an "APP" like Pandora or iHeart Radio.  If you have the ability to make a "play list", you'll have one of the most powerful motivators at your fingertips.  Think about the songs that motivate you...the ones that make you get up and dance or the ones that calm your mind and help you focus on the task at hand.  Not everyone likes to workout to head-pounding, club-thumping beats.  For some, it's the calm, tranquil music that helps them to clear their mind and focus on breathing during exercise.  

In fact, back in 2007, the organizers of the New York Marathon banned the use of headphones/music in the race.  In their eyes it was a matter of safety...the runners wouldn't be able to hear if something was happening around them.  Many runners, however, risked disqualification and competed with their music.  What a powerful statement!  Music was more important to the success of some runners.

Michael Phelps preparing for competition

What exactly does music do to people during exercise?  Surprisingly enough, there is much research on this topic.  During lower intensity exercise, music can divert the mind from the fatigue a person is feeling.  As mentioned before, music can be used to "psych up" or "psych down" an athlete before competition.  Music that is synchronized to the activity (i.e., finding music where the beat matches running pace) has been known to increase efficiency and prolong performance.

Whatever the reason is you utilize music during your exercise is up to you.  Even though there is a whole science behind choosing the appropriate music and tempo for each type of activity, choose what motivates you the most.  The next time you are listening to your radio, iPod, or streaming music, jot down the songs that are "catchy".  Make a list of those songs/artists and create your own playlist.  Upload that playlist into your device and bring it with you during your next workout.  Not sure what songs to use?  Check on various fitness sites for playlists, talk to your friends and co-workers and find out what songs get them moving.

Crank it up...get moving...see results!!  Rock on exercisers!!