Health Benefits of Listening to Music While Working Out

“Let the music take you where you need to go.” - Tora, DMV Instructor

When it comes to motivating you on and off the bike, we’re big fans of how music can serve as a powerful tool to enhance moods and move people. The right playlist can make all the difference when you’re working out. Listening to music while exercising doesn’t just make the experience more enjoyable; it also offers tons of great benefits. Read on to discover how incorporating music into your workout routine can elevate your physical and mental well-being, plus so much more.

1. Better Performance and Endurance

Fast-paced, upbeat tracks can increase your workout intensity by providing a rhythm to follow. Our instructors curate playlists with specific rhythm and beats to create a cadence to your movements, making your exercise more efficient and less tiring. Studies have shown that people who listen to music during their workouts can bike longer, run farther, and swim faster than those who exercise in silence.

2. Reduces Perceived Effort

“Let the beat control your body” - Casi, Long Island Instructor

If you’ve ever left your headphones at home and couldn’t access your favorite tunes, you’ve probably encountered one of those workouts that feels tougher than usual. This experience isn’t all in your head– or maybe it is. One of the most significant benefits of listening to music while working out is that it reduces the perceived effort of the activity. When you're immersed in your favorite songs, your brain focuses less on the physical strain and more on the music. This distraction helps you push through, making it feel less demanding than it actually is.

3. Enhances Mood and Keeps You Upbeat

NYC instructor, Trammell, believes that music and dance can empower us, and neuroscientists and psychologists have backed this sentiment too. Music has a profound effect on your emotional state. Energetic music can boost your mood, making you feel happier and more motivated to exercise. This positive mindset can help you start your workout with enthusiasm and maintain your energy levels throughout. Additionally, music with motivational lyrics can inspire you to push your limits and achieve your fitness goals. Craving motivation to workout today? Check out our theme rides to help you find a ride to match your mood. 

4. Improves Coordination

Listening to music with a steady beat can improve your coordination and help you crush choreography on the bike. The rhythmic patterns in music helps you synchronize your movements, making exercises like running, cycling, or dancing a breeze. This synchronization can lead to better workout performance and reduced risk of injury.

Feeling like trying out a new move on the bike? Try Atlanta Instructor, Vynnessa's favorite dance move on the bike: swaying to the rhythm.

Looking for something more advanced? Go for Chicago Instructor, Aya’s favorite combo: isolations, followed by a push and a run!

5. Eases Stress and Anxiety

“I will always be real with you, if I’m struggling I’ll let you know. We are all humans, we can do this together.” - Liv D, London Instructor

Exercise is a well-known stress reliever, and when combined with music, its effects can be a game changer. Listening to your favorite music can lower cortisol levels, reducing stress and anxiety. Music acts as a natural mood enhancer, promoting relaxation and helps you unwind during or after a workout. This stress reduction contributes to overall mental well-being and long-term health. The next time you’re having a rough day head to the studio, clip in, and sweat it out with us. 

6. Promotes a Consistent Workout Routine

Ideally, we’d all love to get into a groove and find a flawless workout routine. Realistically, it can be a challenge to find the motivation to exercise regularly. Add on finding the time to commit to a routine and you’ve got another hurdle to overcome.

If you’ve been looking for a way to stay consistent, we’ve got you covered. Music can make your workouts more enjoyable and something to look forward to. Our dynamic and exciting playlists can turn your exercise session into a fun, feel good experience! Our instructors are known for their awesome taste in music and we guarantee they’ll keep you coming back for more. 

7. Boosts Cognitive Function (More Mental Breakthroughs)

“Get out of your head, and get inside the music.” - Chris Pepe, Southern California Instructor

Have you ever had a brilliant idea in the middle of a workout session? There’s a scientific reason for that! Listening to music while working out has been linked to improved cognitive function. The combination of physical activity and music stimulates various areas of the brain, enhancing your mental sharpness and concentration. This cognitive boost can lead to better decision-making, improved memory, and increased creativity, both during and after your workout.

8. Facilitates Rest & Recovery

Post-workout recovery is crucial for maintaining a healthy fitness routine. Listening to soothing music after exercising can help lower heart rates and blood pressure more quickly, promoting faster recovery. Relaxing music can also reduce muscle tension and soreness, making it easier to recover and prepare for your next workout session.

Music Is Our Love Language

Incorporating music into your workout routine offers numerous physical and mental health benefits. From enhancing performance and reducing perceived effort to improving mood and promoting recovery, music can be a powerful tool to elevate your exercise experience. So, next time you clip in, go for a run, roll out your yoga mat or grab the weights, don’t forget to move to music that moves you. Your body and mind will thank you!