Music is a great mood booster and there are several benefits of listening to music during exercise. In fact, music can increase on your heart-rate, blood-pressure and endurance. Additionally, music beats can help increase your intensity and drive higher levels of performance. All in all, selecting the right music and volume can benefit both your mind and body. So, below are some of the ways to incorporate music into your fitness routine.
STEP-1: How to Select Mood-Boosting Music:
> Make playlists of music that inspire you: Get to know about the type of music that will motivate you to get moving. Consider choosing upbeat, happy songs that make you feel like getting up. So, aim at making a songs playlist that can run for at least 30-minutes.
> Play fast music at the hardest part of your exercise: Upbeat music with a tempo of 120-150 BPM will actually boost your workout routine. So, consider switching to faster music when doing intensive cardiovascular-focused workouts.
> Try distracting yourself from pain by using music: Consider saving your favorite songs for the moments when your heart is at its highest BPM (beats per minute). In fact, songs with high BPM can help distract you while also making the workout more intense. However, know that music should not be used to distract you from chronic pain but rather from the uncomfortable feeling of working out at high intensity. Likewise, never ignore signs of acute pain or dehydration.
STEP-2: How to Listen To Music at Intervals to Increase Effectiveness:
> Try warming-up with songs that are between 90 & 110 BPM: In case you decide to listen to music during your warm-up, then begin with a slower song. In fact, songs at this tempo are also great for Pilates moves and weightlifting where you are in a stationary position. However, select songs with a good beat that can help you count out your seconds as you hold muscle sustaining positions. Additionally, use the songs’ structure and tempo for interval training. Likewise, exercise at a slower pace during the verses and then workout intensely during the parts of increased tempo.
> Consider playing slow, steady music when you’re weightlifting: Slow music will help you focus on pacing your reps and sets. So, listen to music between 90 and 120 beats per minute when lifting weights.
> Use faster music to increase on your cardiovascular workout: Try choosing music that has at least 120 beats per minute (BPM) when doing an intense cardiovascular workout. In fact, aerobic intensity increases as the tempo of your music increases.
> Try listening to the right music for specified workout routines: Every exercise actually requires a particular type of music to help you achieve the best results. So, whether you’re running, jogging, weightlifting, boxing, jumping-rope or doing any other type of exercise, always find a high-energy beat that encourages and strengthens you during the workout.
> As you cool-down & stretch, slow down the music: When completing your workout, try selecting relaxing, slow music to help you cool down. In fact, choose songs that are under 100 BPM.
> Always increase the volume of music as the workout gets intense: Most people experience a higher heart-rate at the end of a moderate workout or during interval-trainings. So, try to keep your music at a lower level until your heart rate is high enough, then increase on the volume. On the other hand, classic music is a good option when doing recovery exercises.
STEP-3: How to Do Music-Inspired Workouts:
> Join a Zumba class: Zumba classes are designed to use moderate to high BPM Latin-based music and dance moves in-order to help you focus on a cardiovascular exercise routine. In fact, most gyms have Zumba classes inspired by fun and energizing music. However, if you don’t want to join a Zumba class or embarrassed to dance in public, then buy a Zumba workout video (DVD). Zumba videos are also available for instant streaming on Netflix or through many public libraries. Additionally, put on cross-training shoes when doing your exercise routines.
> Go for a fitness class that incorporates music: Most gyms offer fitness-classes that use music to motivate participants. So, check-out for class-options that may include music like; spinning-classes, barre, and yoga classes. In fact, spinning-classes will use high-energy music while yoga-classes are most likely to use more soothing and meditative tunes.
> Search online for music-based workouts: You can actually learn salsa and other dancing-workouts through the Internet or workout-videos. In fact, these videos will teach you several dance routines. Additionally, consider doing workouts to your favorite music and also combine mood-boosting and strategic music while exercising.
