The Benefits of Listening to Music While Exercising

Wednesday, 04 November 2009 10:06

It's important to realize that hard work doesn't stop after receiving weight loss surgery, it simply begins. Bariatric surgery isn't a magic cure-- a strict eating plan will go hand in hand with regular exercise in order to achieve the highest amount of weight loss. Even though most people dread exercising, there are several ways to make it fun. Creating variety in the routine, doing things you enjoy, and keeping at it. One easy way to make exercise more enjoyable is to buy an mp3 player or hand-held personal radio player.

There are many benefits of exercising while listening to music that may come as a surprise. Besides passing the time during a sweaty session on the treadmill or during a strength training routine, music makes people work harder and have more fun while exercising.

Mental Benefits

A study published on ABC's Technology and Science online section showed that "On average, the participants performed more than twice as well on a verbal fluency test after listening to music while exercising than they did after exercising without the music." The study showed that the type of music wasn't relevant, even though participants in the first study listened to Vivaldi's Four Seasons. Additionally, other studies have shown that exercising with music also increases mental capacity in aging adults.

Sets a Reward

Having a shiny new iPod or other mp3 player is a great way to find the initial motivation needed in order to start a regular exercise routine. Then, as you begin to lose more weight as you get used to your new bariatric lifestyle, you can begin to set goals for yourself. Treating yourself to 10 new songs for your mp3 player from the iTunes music store, or getting new headphones or workout gear is a great way to stay motivated.

Longer Workouts

Studies have shown that listening to music while exercising leads to longer workouts. An Ohio State University study showed that walkers who listened to music while walked did 4 more miles on average than walkers who weren't listening to music. Because music sets a distraction, exercisers are more likely to work out longer and higher than those who only have what they are doing to focus on.

Sets the Mood

Besides setting a distraction, music can also be a giant motivator. Listening to certain songs can make people feel more upbeat, positive, motivated, and happy, leading to a more beneficial work out. Additionally, music has also been shown to increase muscle tension, as people tend to do movements according to the tempo or beat of the song they are currently listening to.

Besides music, watching TV and talking with a friend who is working out on the treadmill or elliptical machine next to you can also be a great distraction. Doing things you enjoy while working out-- listening to your favorite music, watching your favorite TV shows, or spending time with your friend - are all great motivators that will keep any bariatric patient on top of their regular exercise routine.

References:
http://i.abcnews.com/Technology/Story?id=99556
http://walking.about.com/cs/music/a/musicbrain.htm
http://www.realbuzzrunbritain.com/articles/training-to-music/