Choosing the Right Music for Your Workout

Creating the right fitness playlist to maximize your workout

You see it across the Internet – fitness magazines and other websites that describe workout playlists depending on the mood and season, with others created from their reader’s suggestions. What they’re saying is true – the right music can improve your workout. Essentially, there is a science to choosing an effective workout playlist to fit your personalized routine. But the mood or season might not be the right focus; rather, you need to develop a workout routine that means something to you and evolves along with your workout.

Start with a motivational song

The first song will help you set the tone for the rest of your workout. After all, getting started with your workout can typically be the hardest part. Kicking off the exercise with a highly motivational song is the perfect way to get your mind right and your body warmed up. Whether you want something that will kick your butt like an Eminem song, or something you can sing along to like Alicia Keys, it all depends on the type of music that will get you motivated and in the right mind set.

Focus on songs with strong, energized rhythm

There’s a reason you don’t hear any John Mayer or Jack Johnson on pre-programmed exercise playlists. It’s not breaking news, but you’re more likely to push yourself if the music you’re listening to is positive and energetic. According to a 2011 study by the National Institute of Health, you should be listening to strong, energizing rhythms, inspirational lyrics, and maintain a beats per minute (BPM) between 120 and 145. Oddly enough, faster tempos don’t necessarily improve your performance.

Choreograph your playlist to parallel your workout

You’re not starting your workout sprinting, so there’s no reason for your playlist to start that way. Instead, choose a tempo that corresponds with the ideal exercise intensity you would like to exert through every interval of your workout. For example, if you’re going to spend a majority of your time on the treadmill, consider music tracks that will keep you motivated to push through. If you’re going to be doing a lot of weight training, you might want slower, stronger tunes to keep you in the zone. Abrupt changes in tone or speed can be reserved for transitions between exercises or circuits.

Choose songs with good associations

We all have music that transports us back to happier times. Whether it’s a song that reminds you of a certain trip or a song you played at your wedding, try to choose songs that evoke happy memories so that you’re not so focused on the task at hand. All the same, songs that make you think of triumph, like the Rocky theme song, can help boost your heart rate when you need it most.

Don’t overanalyze it

At the end of the day, it’s your workout soundtrack. Don’t think too much into what will be the “perfect song” and instead focus on songs that will inspire and motivate you to give it your all. A workout doesn’t have to be intense and focused, but it should be fun.

If workouts at the gym aren’t for you, consider activities such as fitness trampoline workouts that can get you the excercise you need without it feeling like a chore. JumpSport’s fitness trampolines and fitness trampoline workouts, designed to ensure you’re getting the most out of your trampoline, will change the way you view exercise. Learn more about what these workouts have done for others and find a workout that will help you achieve your goals your way.