Music and exercise

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ...

• Music helps to set the pace and make the exercise more enjoyable.
• Moving to the rhythm of the music enhances coordination skills.
• Physical performance increases up to 20% if you exercise while listening to music.

Music history

In the 80s, aerobics entered our homes thanks to the first television programs and, since then, the options for exercise and sports have multiplied not only by disciplines but also by the type of music, which still makes melodies have more prominence.

Music is based on rhythmic, rhythmic movements and that is the same that happens in our organism. “Aerobic exercise and basic physiological functions, such as breathing and heartbeat, are, like music, rhythmic activities. Since our organism is used to rhythms, the influence of rhythmic sounds helps us organize our physical movements ”. This is the conclusion reached by C. Karageorghis, an expert from Brunel University (London), after several studies on the matter.

Profits

Nowadays it can be difficult to decide on a type of activity because there are more or less moves. However, from the slowest to the most modern, where it seems that whoever practices it is going to "lose heart", they are healthy. When it comes to aerobic activities, he gets all the benefits: greater oxygenation, better quality of his vessels and less risk of problems with blood pressure. In addition, the joints and muscles, depending on the type of exercise, will also have a relevant role in terms of benefits.

Moving to the rhythm of the music enhances coordination skills. Artistic gymnastics, running or belly dance, although they are different disciplines, require concrete and specific movements for the result to be optimal. Joining tempo and movements will be perfect. For this same reason, it is more than recommended that children carry out activities where their movements are stimulated with music. In this way and additionally, their nervous system receives stimuli that will help them in their development. DISSOCIATION

In psychological language there is a word that perfectly describes what happens when one is exercising and listening to music: “dissociation”. It happens when the practitioner is not aware of their level of fatigue and tiredness but focuses on the positive effects they are feeling. It is a way of releasing tension and resulting in a "de-stressing" activity.

Music and performance

Not only is music a companion, but there are studies that corroborate that listening to music increases performance. According to Mark Andrews, author of a study on performance and music, "physical performance increases up to 20%, in addition to providing a better perspective on training, as it is considered easier." FOR STARTERS

For those who are beginners in this music and sport, there are lists with motivational songs or even mobile applications (“Cruise control”) that allow you to enter the objectives of the runner and propose the type of music that best suits the race.

Thus, it is clear that, whether from studies validated by scientists or from the athlete's feelings, music is of great help or a good motivation to get in shape.