Last year, a study published in the journal Psychology of Sport & Exercise, revealed that upbeat music helps give people the motivation needed to tackle high-intensity workouts. In fact, it identified that music enhanced the effect and overall enjoyment of spring interval training, and increased heart rates and peak power output compared with when listening to a podcast or no audio at all.

Whether your exercise of choice is running, strength training or taking a gym class, one thing is for certain: music makes working out that little bit easier and more enjoyable. But there are other benefits too which include:

Boosting your mood

Listening to music naturally boosts our dopamine levels, the neurotransmitter which drives your brain’s reward system and does wonders for your happy hormones. It triggers positive feelings and helps us remember good memories, which results in us feeling a stronger sense of wellbeing. Plus, music allows us to zone out, meaning it helps take our minds off being out of breath and forget about the effort we’re currently putting into the workout.

Reducing stress

For those who enjoy a regular stretch and yoga class, there is often slow-tempo or soft music playing quietly in the background to help participants unwind.

Keeping up the pace

The timing of your chosen workout music or the bass can boost stimulation of the brain, instructing you when to move therefore aiding self-paced exercises such as cycling, weightlifting or running. Being able to sync exercise to the beat makes it much easier to achieve optimal performance, use our energy better and maintain a steady pace.

Responding to the lyrics

Some songs stand the test of time for their power to motivate. Look at all the upbeat tempos and motivational lyrics as boxers do their ring walk. There are hundreds, even thousands, of empowering songs containing lyrics to push and make you feel invincible including Eye of the Tiger by Survivor:

“It’s the eye of the tiger, it’s the thrill of the fight
Risin’ up to the challenge of our rival
And the last known survivor stalks his prey in the night
And he’s watchin’ us all with the eye of the tiger”

Time flies by

Listening to music while exercising relieves boredom and is a welcome distraction, meaning you’re focused and the time spent doing the exercise just flies by.

Boosts performance

Numerous reports have identified that music is influential during workouts. In fact, listening to music reduces your perceived exertion, encouraging you to work harder without you even knowing you are.

Choosing music that you enjoy and that fits your chosen exercise can help you get more from your workout. Next time you’re struggling to get moving, make sure you take a look on Spotify, BBC Sounds and iTunes, where you’ll find a whole host of playlists. We’re positive there’ll be a collection of songs that will tickle your fancy.

After your workouts we recommend massaging some PERNATON Gel Forte into the skin to increase muscle stimulation and circulation.