Cue the Music! Listening to Music Aides Workouts

If you are new to the “gym scene” then you may have noticed that nearly everyone has their ear buds in synced up to their iPods while they are working out. Believe it or not, these gym-goers aren't being antisocial. Instead they have learned what many experts are now saying ,that listening to your favorite music while working out can boost performance by up to 20 percent.

According to a study done by Dr Costas Karageorghis, of Brunel University on news.bbc.co.uk, "music does have an impact on physical performance by blocking fatigue and helping you keep pace by synchronizing your movements.” The study finds that while listening to music on the treadmill or elliptical can actually boost your calorie burn, too.

Dr, Karageorghis found that listening to the right songs before and during training boosts performance. He recommends fast tempo music for high intensity exercise and slower tracks to help with the warm up and cool down. It's the speed of the music that plays a key role.

To get the most out of your workout he suggests creating your own play list according to your own personal music tastes and preferences as well as keeping in mind the intensity of activity in which you will be engaging. Loud, up-beat music can be used as a stimulant while soft music may calm pre-performance nerves.

As exercise begins, music tempo can be synchronized to help regulate movement and prolong performance. It can also help to narrow attention and divert your mind from sensations of fatigue. People who listen to fast tempo music can typically exercise longer and they typically feel that the exercise is easier (even though it's the same exercise) and not as tiring, as when they don't listen to music.

Karageorghis found an 18% improvement in adherence to exercise regimes with the help of the right music.