Why Upbeat Music is a MUST During Workouts

Exercise and upbeat music are inseparable.

When you go to the gym for a workout, you often hear upbeat and fast-paced music playing in the background. Aerobics, Zumba, spinning, and other exercises also involve moving to the rhythm of lively music. YouTube and other music streaming apps usually have compiled playlists with fast and intense songs, recommending them as “good songs to listen to while exercising”.

You may ask yourselves, “Why is upbeat music always on when I’m exercising?” This is because upbeat music has a positive effect on workouts.

Working out while listening to upbeat music can not only lift our spirits but also bring about greater benefits than we may imagine.

Music with a strong and fast rhythm stimulates our nervous system, leading to an increase in adrenaline levels. While on the other hand, listening to slow and calm music results in a decrease in adrenaline levels.

Adrenaline is a substance called catecholamine that stimulates the nerves, typically produced when we get excited, surprised, or tense.

Research shows that when adrenaline is secreted, the body’s energy efficiency improves, and fat breakdown increases. Oxygen consumption also increases, which can enhance the ability to perform aerobic exercises.

Not only that, but it can also improve your speed, which suggests leg muscles are becoming more active. It also implies that it can enhance the performance of anaerobic exercises.

That’s not to say that you must listen to loud and fast EDM, hip-hop, or rock music when working out. Just like how some people enjoy trot music or pop music, the important thing when exercising is listening to music that you find upbeat and fast-paced.