Did you know that music can increase the effectiveness of your workout? Not only can the right tunes boost your energy levels and mood, but music can also help you keep pace and rhythm during exercise. Choosing the right playlist for your workout can be an important part of your success!
The tempo, or speed, of a song is measured in Beats Per Minute (BPM); the faster the BPM, the faster you will want to move. In fact, music triggers neurotransmitters in your brain that actually push you to move at the speed of what you are listening to! Anything under 120 BPM is perfect for warming up and cooling down, while 120 to 140 BPM songs are best for light- to moderate-intensity exercise. Really want to pump up the volume? Choose songs over 140 BPM for your high-intensity workouts.
Under 120 BPM:
Paparazzi by Lady Gaga
What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Stronger by Kelly Clarkson
Set Fire to the Rain by Adele
Call Me Maybe by Carly Ray Jepson
Dancing Queen by ABBA
120 to 140 BPM:
Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO
Good Feeling by Flo Rida
Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5
Hot n Cold by Katy Perry
Dirt Road Anthem by Jason Aldean
Over 140 BPM:
We’re Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister
Complicated by Avril Lavigne
Mr. Brightside by The Killers
The One That Got Away by Katy Perry
Renegade by Daughtry
There are online calculators to help you determine the BPM of your favorite songs. If you are using an iPod or mobile phone to listen to music, organize your songs into exercise playlists based on the speed. Be sure to choose songs that motivate and inspire you. Need a little more help? You can download apps to create personalized playlists. Apps such as Cadence and PaceDJ allow you to choose music based on the BPM and will automatically generate playlists based on the criteria you specify. There are also albums that can be purchased from iTunes that feature workout remixes of popular songs.
Music is an excellent way to beat boredom, forget aches and pains, and make you WANT to move. Choose music you love with a beat that gets your heart pumping and you will see results!
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