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Need some motivation in the exercise department? Whilst some of us look forward to our daily run with great anticipation, for others, it is the last thing we feel like doing. However, creating the ultimate workout playlist has been proven to motivate us in a number of ways; it will get us jumping out of bed, sprinting laps around the track, or pumping weights like there’s no tomorrow!

Studies show that our choice of music is integral to maintaining, and even upping the intensity of our workouts. Dr Costas Karageorghis, deputy head of the School of Sport and Education at Brunel University, London, wrote that a suitably motivational playlist can help to ‘colour’ symptoms of exercise related fatigue, like breathlessness and a beating heart, in such a way that they are interpreted in a more positive manner…

Choose fast-paced music

Research shows that fast-paced music is the best companion to exercise. A faster tempo is associated with an increase in intensity and effort, without us necessarily being aware of it – yes please! Furthermore, sticking to pop music in particular provides us with a steady rhythm, helping us stick to our workouts, without a doubt.

Different types of music can benefit your workout

Sports psychologists have found that people perform different exercises better with different types of music. Do you enjoy a run or jog? Then choose Rap music… this is proven to motivate you the most, due to the songs number of beats per minute. Do you prefer strength training? Then choose dance music, as this beat will get you pumping those weights real fast.

Top tip: Avoid Rock music at all costs… changes in the tempo can affect your workout rhythm and intensity… so you might not be working out as hard as you think!

Research some bangin’ tunes

If you are seriously uninspired when it comes to the music front, do a little research…check out the UK top 40 songs – these are usually upbeat and fun, with a good beat to get you going. If you are completely pressed for time, check out Spotify’s workout playlists online, which are free to download – you’ll be ready to go in no time!

Find the right pace of music…

Make sure your playlist reflects the pace of your workout; the right beat is important in maintaining the intensity of your workout. If your favourite tune doesn’t fit the pace of your workout, don’t fret! Check out the coolest little app, called PaceDJ. This app will slow down or speed up a songs’ pace to match your target speed. It will also measure your pace and come up with a list of selected songs to suit that pace. No excuses now!

Cool down …

Time to play your all time favourite tune – you’ve finished, you deserve it. Make sure it is something with a slower pace though, such as RnB, to encourage you to stretch deeply and rejuvenate – we all know the importance of stretching for easing muscle soreness and reducing stress… you may even want to choose two songs here to really lengthen out your cool down, your muscles will thank you for it come morning time!

Words by Flora Crichton


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