How to Use Music for a Better Workout

Contributor

By Elizabeth McGuire
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (2 Ratings)

Plug In, Work Out

Getting a more effective workout can be as simple as changing what’s playing in your ear. Read on for some ways to make an energizing and inspiring playlist for your workout.

How to Design a Workout Program
Once you've decided that you will start making exercise a priority it is time to take a look at designing … More
How to Stick to a Workout Program
Many workout programs fail because people lose the motivation to workout stay with their program. Sticking… More
Workout Program to Get In Shape
Getting in shape requires including a variety of activities and methods. A program that mixes cardio, weig… More
Treadmill Workout Program
Treadmills are a convenient way for people to get quality exercise in all climates. Many people are intimi… More
Muscle Workout Program
A complete muscle workout keeps your strength up and maintains or increases muscle tone. To achieve it, yo… More
What Are the 3 Phases of a Workout?
The three phases of a workout include a five-to-eight minute warm-up, a 30-to-45 minute workout and a cool… More
What Is the Best Cardio Workout?
The best cardio workout is one that is done consistently, regardless of the chosen cardiovascular exercise… More
How to Get an MMA Workout
For an MMA workout, it's important to work on the full body. Get an MMA workout with tips from a mixed mar… More
About Workout Schedules
Individuals wear many hats. We are parents, spouses, employees, bosses, siblings, children and friends. Ou… More
How to Eat Before a Workout
You may have heard conflicting stories about whether to eat before or after a workout, if at all. While yo… More
How to Use Safely Do A Step Up In Your Workout
Learn tips on how to properly and safely use a step up in your workout in this free fitness video clip.… More
How to Use Music for a Better Workout
Getting a more effective workout can be as simple as changing what’s playing in your ear. Read on for some… More
Workout: Become Flexible
Becoming flexible for workouts and exercise routines prevents injury and can be done with traditional stre… More
How to Workout With Dumbbells
Learn tips on effective ways to use dumbbells in your workout in this free fitness video clip.… More
How to Do a Beach Workout
Whether you are on vacation or live near a beach, the sand and surf offers plenty of options for a great w… More

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Know yourself and your workout goals. What kind of music gets you moving? Slower, but energetic music is a great choice for a warm-up, but not everyone likes to ease into their workouts. If you need to be jumpstarted into your routine, choose a quick tempo song. Then dial it down a notch so you don’t burn out too quickly.
Step 2

Experiment with listening to both old favorite songs and newly discovered ones. Music can provide an added focus or a welcome distraction. Whether your are trying to zone out or tune in, the background music can certainly impact your goals.
Step 3

Remember that your music doesn’t have to be thematic (e.g. Bruce Springsteen’s "Born to Run" or Elvis Costello’s "Pump it Up"), but of course it could be. The most important goal is that the music needs to energize and inspire you.
Step 4

Use music to help with your pacing and goal-setting. Instead of using a stopwatch at the track, see how many laps you can run during the course of one particular song.
Step 5

If you feel your workout growing stale or your healthy habits starting to slide, mix up your playlist or start fresh entirely.