Turn Up The Intensity By Turning Up The Volume
By: Jen Mueller,
DailySpark Blogger
8/25/2009 6:07 PM
: 132 comments
: 10,648 Views
Can a good song or playlist on your iPod kick your workout into high gear? Does it matter how loud the music plays? I've always felt more motivated when I have fun music to listen to during my workout. Now new research shows it's not only what's playing, but the volume of the music that could affect the quality of your workout- specifically your strength training regime.
The study involved active women who performed three different exercise tests: one with music set at their preferred level, one with music set just below their preferred level, and one with music set just above their preferred level (assuming it wasn't loud enough to cause hearing damage.)
The result? Regardless of the volume level, listening to music helped the women perform better during their cardio workout. But when it came to strength training, women could perform more repetitions before fatiguing when the music volume was set the loudest. The researchers concluded that music helps pump you up and can distract you from the pain of the workout, allowing you to push through it a little harder than you might have before. Just be careful not to blast the music too much. Prolonged exposure to noise that's too loud can cause hearing loss.
I find that certain songs encourage me to run a little faster, and sometimes if I turn up the volume, I'll push the pace even more. Music has a positive affect on my workouts, whether I'm doing cardio or strength training. I keep a notepad in my car, using it to jot down songs I could picture myself running or lifting to. I prefer listening to mixes of music versus an album of one artist. A few of my favorites right now are songs by Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna.
Do you listen to music while working out? Do you notice that the volume has an affect on your workout? Does it matter if you're doing cardio or strength training? What are some of your favorite workout tunes these days?
The study involved active women who performed three different exercise tests: one with music set at their preferred level, one with music set just below their preferred level, and one with music set just above their preferred level (assuming it wasn't loud enough to cause hearing damage.)
The result? Regardless of the volume level, listening to music helped the women perform better during their cardio workout. But when it came to strength training, women could perform more repetitions before fatiguing when the music volume was set the loudest. The researchers concluded that music helps pump you up and can distract you from the pain of the workout, allowing you to push through it a little harder than you might have before. Just be careful not to blast the music too much. Prolonged exposure to noise that's too loud can cause hearing loss.
I find that certain songs encourage me to run a little faster, and sometimes if I turn up the volume, I'll push the pace even more. Music has a positive affect on my workouts, whether I'm doing cardio or strength training. I keep a notepad in my car, using it to jot down songs I could picture myself running or lifting to. I prefer listening to mixes of music versus an album of one artist. A few of my favorites right now are songs by Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna.
Do you listen to music while working out? Do you notice that the volume has an affect on your workout? Does it matter if you're doing cardio or strength training? What are some of your favorite workout tunes these days?
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Comments
But I take care about de volume - 6/16/2010 7:42:58 PM
I've tried listening to music while doing resistance training but I didn't like it as much. When I'm working with weights I like to really concentrate on my form and I felt like I did a better job without music. - 8/29/2009 12:41:13 PM
I find swimming with a waterproof mp3 player very helpful. I swim to the tempo. Viola~ a varied intensity work out. Right now I'm enjoying Spanish guitar!
- 8/26/2009 5:06:56 PM
I do have to say that I get really bothered by other peoples loud music. Its not a big deal but when I can hear what song you're listening to 2 or 3 machines away... its just so distracting to me when I'm trying to get "in the zone". - 8/26/2009 4:24:06 PM
I listen to anything with a beat. Akon, Kanye West, Lady Gaga and lots more. Great blog. - 8/26/2009 1:24:45 PM
From an Washington Post article: "Preliminary data on iPods and similar devices have found lower maximum levels -- above 100 decibels (the noise volume of a chainsaw; risk of hearing damage after two hours), but not higher than 115 decibels (a football game in a loud stadium; risk of hearing damage after 15 minutes), Fligor said. To fully understand the potential impact of these devices, it is important to know that the sound is traveling a tiny distance from your earbud to your eardrum rather than being diffused in a football stadium or concert arena."
- 8/26/2009 12:08:09 PM
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