Tune Up Your Workout: The Benefits of Music and Exercise
Angela Jenkins
| 2 min read
Music — I love it and can’t get enough of it! Music is a language all of its own that speaks to the soul. It can be exciting, uplifting and even bring sorrow. Yes, music has a powerful voice — so powerful that our bodies and brains benefit directly from listening to it.
Benefits from Beyoncé
Did you know that listening to music brings physical benefits? Daily music listening has been found to have the following benefits:
- Can reduce chronic pain by up to 21 percent
- Decreases the feeling and intensity of pain by promoting relaxation
- Reduces stress
- Lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- Stimulates brain cells
- Improves quality of sleep
- Helps with positive outlook
- Improves self-esteem and self-confidence
- Helps patients relax during cancer treatments
There was another study conducted that proved listening to music while exercising increases endurance by 15 percent. Respondents also said that cardiovascular exercise was reported to be a far more positive experience when accompanied by music. All of that just from listening to some of your favorite tunes while working out!
Eat Your Black Eyed Peas
Here are some of my favorite songs that pump me up and help me with my workout:
- “Centerfield” by John Fogerty
- “Another One Bites the Dust” and “We Are the Champions” by Queen
- Theme song to “Rocky”
- “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gainer
- “SexyBack” by Justin Timberlake
- “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson
Here are some of my favorite groups I like to listen to as well (usually any of their songs):
- Black Eyed Peas
- Lady Gaga
- 38 Special
- Neil Diamond
- Notorious BIG
- Madonna
- Toby Keith
What are your favorite jams to listen to when working out?
Resources: lifemojo.com; Science Daily
Photo credit: minds-eye
