Music at the Gym, It's Good for You
By Donna Kostiew
I went to the gym last night and as soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I turned around and went back home. Want to know why? Well, I forgot my earphones and I hate to work out without my music. I don’t think I am the only one who feels that way because, as I look around at all of the people at my gym, the majority of them are wearing theirs as well. It seems that most people will agree that listening to music not only motivates them during a workout but also helps them to push themselves to work harder.
Feel the Music
You can maximize your training time and increase your enjoyment by working out to music that motivates you. Here are some reasons why it is good to listen to music during exercise.
- Rhythm response - Basically, this is how much a song makes you want to move. Most people share this common instinct of synchronizing their movements with music. We nod our heads, tap our toes, or sway in our seats when the music starts playing, so of course, this can also occur on the treadmill or the elliptical machine at the gym.
- Steady pace - Music can offer similar functions of a metronome by helping someone maintain a steady pace, therefore decreasing their energy expenditure. Listening to music can also be helpful because the body attempts to mimic the tempo of the song, or its beats per minute.
- Fatigue distraction - The body is always trying to protect itself, so after recognizing signs of exertion, it decides a break is in order. Music helps to distract the brain’s attention to the fatigue, which keeps you moving even longer.
Safety First
Music is a great way to escape some of the challenges while exercising, but you must remember to keep your safety in mind. Control the volume to avoid any damage to your ears and to also allow yourself to maintain awareness if you are exercising outdoors. If you can't hear the environment around you, like traffic or weather, turn the music down. You must stay constantly aware of what is around you to avoid serious injuries.
Listening to music while exercising can help to release those feel-good chemicals in the brain, so if you haven’t already done so, head out to the nearest store and invest in some quality earphones.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Denver, Colo.
