Whether in the gym, jogging in the park or doing yoga at home - for many people, music is an indispensable companion when exercising. But what role does music actually play in our performance and motivation? And how do you choose the right playlist for different phases of training? We dive into the world of beats that drive us.
What music does to the body
Music has a direct effect on our brain and body. It can:
Motivate: Energetic rhythms and driving beats activate our reward system by stimulating the release of dopamine. This "happiness hormone" increases motivation and ensures that we keep going for longer.
Distraction: Music distracts us from exhaustion and exertion. Studies show that people can perform up to 15% better with music because they concentrate less on the physical exertion.
Set the rhythm: Synchronizing with the beat can make our movements more efficient. This is particularly helpful for rhythmic sports such as running or cycling.
Influence emotions: Music can put us in the right mood - be it to release aggression, recharge our batteries or relax.
The right music for every training phase
Not all music is equally suitable for all phases of a workout. Here are tips on how to optimize your soundtrack:
1. warm-up phase: start gently
The aim of the warm-up is to get the body up to operating temperature and get the circulation going. Music with a medium tempo (90-120 BPM) is ideal here, as it gently increases the heart rate.
Recommended genres: chillout, pop, indie.
Examples: "Shape of You" by Ed Sheeran, "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars.
2nd main workout: energy and focus
In the intensive part of the workout, you need music that pushes you and keeps you in your flow. Tracks with a fast tempo (120-160 BPM) and powerful beats are perfect.
Recommended genres: electronic dance music (EDM), hip-hop, rock.
Examples: "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor, "Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, "Titanium" by David Guetta ft. Sia.
Tip: Songs with motivating lyrics that boost stamina and self-confidence are also suitable for strength training.
3. cool-down and relaxation: wind down
After training, it is important to relax your body and mind. Music with slow tempos (60-90 BPM) helps to lower the pulse and calm the body.
Recommended genres: ambient, classical, acoustic.
Examples: "Weightless" by Marconi Union, "Clair de Lune" by Debussy, "Let It Be" by The Beatles (acoustic version).
Personal playlists: the key to success
Everyone has individual music preferences that influence their training motivation. While one person performs at their best to hard rock riffs, another may prefer relaxing house beats. It's worth creating playlists for different training phases and updating them regularly to create variety.
Music is more than just background noise
Music is a powerful tool for getting the most out of your workout. It motivates, distracts, synchronizes and relaxes - and can positively influence your workout. Experiment with different genres and find the sounds that get you going.
Editorial team fitnessmarkt.de
Image source: #1119570643 digitalproducts / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 10 February 2025