The Transformative Power of Music on Movement and Exercise
Music and Movement: A Perfect Pair
Ever turned on the radio and heard a song, such as xx and immediatly started to move or experienced a sudden burst of energy? Or when you felt down, listened to Placebo and felt even worse? I just read a fantastic article in the Neue Züricher Zeitung, which talks about research conducted on the relationship between music and physical activity.
Read article here
Music has a profound ability to motivate and enhance physical activity, transforming workouts into more enjoyable and rewarding experiences. Research by Professor Markus Gerber from the University of Basel demonstrates how music can improve endurance, strength, and sprint performance while reducing perceived effort. It’s not just about moving; it’s about feeling good while doing it.
Why Music Works
When we exercise to music, it activates our brain's reward system, encouraging consistency and making physical activity a positive habit. For expressive sports like dance or gymnastics, the right tunes can inspire new movements and elevate the overall quality of motion. Additionally, rhythmic beats help maintain a steady pace, making music a valuable companion for endurance sports like running or cycling.
Tailoring Music to Your Activity
Different types of music work best for specific activities:
• Endurance Training: Pop and dance music with steady tempos (150–170 BPM) keep you energized.
• Strength Training: Rock and high-energy beats (110–150 BPM) enhance power and focus.
• Group Fitness: Hip-hop and Zumba-friendly tracks (130–160 BPM) boost coordination and enjoyment.
• Yoga and Relaxation: Slow-paced instrumentals (60–100 BPM) encourage mindfulness and calm.
When to Skip the Tunes
While music is beneficial in many contexts, it’s not always ideal. Activities requiring intense focus, like tennis or trail running in complex terrains, might suffer from reduced concentration. Listening to your body and your surroundings is crucial, especially in safety-critical environments like road cycling or competitive sports.
Beyond Exercise: Holistic Benefits
Music doesn’t just enhance physical performance—it also stimulates cognitive and motor skills, slows brain aging, and can even improve lung capacity when paired with singing or wind instrument practice. As a preventative tool, music can improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.
Bringing It to Life
In my mindful movement practice, music plays a supportive role in enhancing flow and encouraging body awareness. Whether it’s a calming playlist for a yoga class or an upbeat rhythm for cardio-focused sessions, the right soundscape fosters connection, movement, and joy.
Discover how integrating music into your routine can uplift your physical and mental well-being. What’s your favorite workout soundtrack? Let’s share and inspire each other!
here is a playlist for a good flo that gets you moving!
This playlist I love to use for workshops focussing on mindfulness and include some relaxing flows.
This is currently my favorite playlist when you work on 3-D movement explorations, as each song gives different impulses that make your body move in various playful ways more intuitively.
I hope you enjoy the music!
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