It's been far too long since I've shared some new music ideas for you to update your workout playlists, but reading the New York Times Well blog recently reminded me just how important music is during exercise. Recapping several studies about music's affects on exercise intensity and perceived exertion, one in particular caught my eye. In a small study, male college students pedaled stationary bicycles while listening to popular music that the researchers secretly either slowed down or sped up at random, without the knowledge of the participants. When the music was faster, they pedaled faster, liked the music better, and elevated their heart rates more, yet perceived their workouts as less intense than they actually were. When the music slowed down, exactly the opposite happened. We all know that some good booty-shaking tunes can make our workouts more fun, which is why I prefer to go for beat and music tempo over "motivation" factor, like how the song makes me feel or whether the actual lyrics are particularly inspiring. If you want to boost the intensity of your workouts and make them feel easier at the same time, try update your workout playlist with one of these upbeat workout songs.  Black Eyed Peas – Rock That Body Matchbox Twenty – How Far We've Come Junior Senior – Move Your Feet Michael Jackson – Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough The Sounds – Dance with Me Madonna – Sorry KT Tunstall – Suddenly I See Journey – Any Way You Want It Jimmy Eat World – Pain Gnarls Barkley – Smiley Faces Erasure – A Little Respect Sean Paul – Temperature Jennifer Lopez – Let's Get Loud Alien Ant Farm – Smooth Criminal Johnny Cash – I've Been Everywhere OK Go – Here It Goes Again Beyonce – Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) Rihanna – Please Don't Stop the Music The Offspring – You're Gonna Go Far, Kid Rancid – Time Bomb Outkast – Hey YaWhat are your favorite upbeat workout songs? Do you agree that great music can make your workouts feel easier? |
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