I remember when I was a kid sitting in the living room flipping through TV channels. I came across a channel that simply had 3 women dressed in leg warmers, high top sneakers and leotards exercising to some pretty funky music. Before I knew it I was off the couch exercising right along with them. Hey…blame it on the beat. Check it out and don’t judge…it was the 80’s!
Thank goodness our music choices have expanded, but one thing hasn’t changed; when it comes to working out, music can play a major part. The right music can get you pumped up, energize you, put you in the zone and even improve your performance. In an article printed in the Sports Journal, published by the United States Sports Academy, it’s stated that “music alters emotional and physiological arousal and can therefore be used prior to competition or training as a stimulant”. In all of my years as a personal trainer I’ve only had a handful of clients who preferred no music during their workout. To each his own, but this girl needs her lyrical stimulation for an awesome workout.
So how do you choose the best music for working out? First, it has to be music that you enjoy. Next, your workout playlist should consist of upbeat songs or hard-hitting bass to increase your energy and stimulate movement. And finally the best workout tracks are the ones that inspire you to push yourself. When one of my favorite songs comes on I feel a surge of energy that makes me want to turn up the intensity and turn my cycling into sprints, my squats into squat jumps or push out a few extra reps.
Take my playlist to the gym and see if it pumps you up. Keep what works and change what doesn’t. Now let’s get moving.
Your first song is a warm-up; something motivating, but not too fast. 5-8 minutes is good:
Tube & Berger – Imprint of Pleasure
This song is great for hyping you up before your workout – it’s a good mix of inspirational, motivational and energizing. It helps me get into the zone and get moving.
134 BPM (beats per minute) or higher is great to get in 20 minutes of cardio:
Foo Fighters, deadmau5 – Rope
This song is great for a high intensity workout, and helps prep me for a powerful and rewarding run!
Daft Punk – Harder Better Faster Stronger
This classic workout song has a quick tempo and definitely helps me crank out a couple more reps on the Total Gym.
Queen – Another One Bites the Dust
This legendary song by Queen has a little bit of everything to help you push yourself for maximum performance.
Survivor – Eye of the Tiger
Personally I feel this song should make everyone’s workout playlist. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like Rocky Balboa when he’s training, this song is how you do it!
