How to Set a Jogging Pace with Music
Music can motivate you during a workout and set a steady pace for a jog. Jogging with a set pace is important because it allows you to push your endurance without putting too much strain on your body. When setting a jogging pace using music, consider your workout goals in relation to the BPM, or beats per minute, of different songs to choose the best pace.
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Instructions
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Consider the nature of your workout. If you want to perform several high-energy sprints followed by work with weights and stretching and resting periods, you will want fast songs that propel you as you exert bursts of energy. If you want to jog for a long distance at a steady pace, you will be aided by mid-tempo music with a constant beat.
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Calculate beats per minute by listening carefully to a song and counting the number of drum beats that occur in 15 seconds. Multiply that number by four and the total indicates the song's BPM. Use a stopwatch or a watch with a second hand to monitor 15 seconds.
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Choose songs with a tempo of 135 to 155 BPM for a steady jog. Pick songs that are similar in BPM so that you do not have to adjust your pace.
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Listen to a song that is a slightly slower than 135 BPM during the first and last five minutes of your run to allow yourself to warm up and cool down.
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Create a playlist of the songs you select. Fill the playlist with enough music to last the duration of your workout. Most songs are between three and five minutes long, so make a play list of 10 to 12 songs for a 45-minute workout.
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Tips & Warnings
Allow your playlist to motivate you to complete your entire run. Decide how long you will run, and do not stop until the music stops.
Never exercise without the consent of your physician.
References
Resources
- "Music in Everyday Life"; Tia DeNora; 2000
- "Walking and Jogging for Health and Wellness"; Frank D. Rosato; 2002
- Photo Credit Goodshoot/Goodshoot/Getty Images
