It’s not surprising that you want to pop in headphones when you head to the gym or out for a run in the park. Let’s face it, music is motivating. Now, new research is showing that what you play in your ear can truly impact your performance. Here’s how to make sure you build the perfect playlist to keep you going…and going.
Select your style.
New research shows that the key to a great workout playlist is loading it with your favorite style of music. It doesn’t matter whether that’s R&B, classic rock, death metal, or jazz; all that matters is that you love it. Researchers at Keele University in the UK found that soccer players, netball players, and runners all performed better and reported feeling more in-the-zone for their sport when they listened to their favorite music, especially during training.
Love Arcade Fire? Put Arcade Fire albums on shuffle when you go for run. Listen to Rihanna a lot on the weekends? Make a Rihanna-loaded playlist before you head to the gym.
Mix it up with a remix.
The only problem with listening to your favorite songs in and out of the gym is that your playlists may start to get, well, played out. If that happens, look for remixes of your favorite songs. Find an up-tempo, club-like version to get you moving. You can also throw in a few classic pump-up songs with a strong beat. In the Keele University study “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor made it into all three groups' playlists and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem was frequently blasted by runners and soccer players.
Still need help? Other popular picks by the athletes in the study were The Black Eyed Peas, Pendulum, Blondie, Muse, Kings of Leon, Florence and the Machine, and Foo Fighters.
