The Importance of Music During Workouts

Listening to music during workouts is a great way to improve performance. In the following article, we'll share everything you need to know about this great practice.
The Importance of Music During Workouts

Last update: 16 October, 2019

Listening to music during workouts is, without a doubt, one of the secrets to improving performance. While it’s true that music isn’t a secret formula for achieving all of your goals, it can be quite beneficial.

Performing exercise without music can be a way to improve self-awareness. It allows for an environment with no distractions helping you to be in touch with yourself and your environment.

However, listening to your favorite songs during your workout can be productive when your sessions are particularly long. As if that wasn’t enough, music can help you maintain a constant and precise rhythm when muscle fatigue starts to appear.

Unfortunately, not even music can make every moment fun, however, it can liven your workout up. From better workouts to better recovery, the right songs can have a real effect on your body and mind.

This happens because, by focusing on music, you lose your perception of fatigue. In addition, listening to your favorite songs can make for epic moments during your workouts.

Don’t want to leave the house to workout? It’s time to play some music: it’ll motivate you to move and you’ll work harder without realizing it.

Press play: listening to music during workouts

It’s important to choose the right type of music for each moment. For example, when you’re warming up, you can choose slower tracks if you want to maintain a slower pace before your workout session. However, you could also listen to music at a faster pace if you’d like a bit of pre-workout stimulation.

Woman listening to music

During intense workouts, you can opt for quieter songs that convey sensations of vigor and relaxation.

Create your own playlist according to your musical preferences and workout intensity. What music should you choose for your workout? It doesn’t matter if you listen to rock, pop, or classical music, everyone should be free to choose their favorite.

Choosing the right music can help you get that extra boost before taking on challenges. As we previously mentioned it reduces the sensation of muscle fatigue and therefore, music can translate into better workouts.

Listening to music during workouts reduces fatigue

Working out is very important for a person’s health and well-being. According to current research, music can help you feel less fatigued. 

Consequently, since you feel less tired, you’ll be able to work out for longer periods. This extension of sessions can provide undeniable health benefits

Studies show that the stimulating role of music can be fundamental during critical periods of a person’s workout, such as during moments of boredom or decreased motivation.

Keep in mind, however, that you should reduce the volume of your music when you need to concentrate on precise techniques. This will help you reduce the risk of injury.

Women zumba class

Mental benefits of music while exercising

Listening to music during your workouts will give you more energy and the power to exceed limits. This is turn helps to control your emotional state.

In other words, it can reduce stress and improve your mood. Music can reduce cortisol levels through its effect on the central nervous system. Cortisol is the hormone that is responsible for stress. Music can also help to alleviate bad moods and increase concentration during workouts.

As you can see, music has a very important effect on workouts. Now that you know all of the benefits that you can experience, it’s time to create your favorite playlist to get the most out of your workouts. Give it a try!


All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.


    • Fritz, T. H., Halfpaap, J., Grahl, S., Kirkland, A., & Villringer, A. (2013). Musical feedback during exercise machine workout enhances mood. Frontiers in Psychology, 4(DEC). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00921
    • Demey, M., Niessen, M., Hardikar, S., Leman, M., Fritz, T. H., Li, Y., … Demoucron, M. (2013). Musical agency reduces perceived exertion during strenuous physical performance. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(44), 17784–17789. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1217252110
    • Fritz, T., Hardikar, S., Demoucron, M., Niessen, M., Demey, M., Giot, O., … Leman, M. (2013). Musical agency reduces perceived exertion during strenuous physical performance. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 110(44), 17784–17789. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1217252110
    • North, A. C., Tarrant, M., & Hargreaves, D. J. (2004). The effects of music on helping behavior: A field study. Environment and Behavior, 36(2), 266–275. https://doi.org/10.1177/0013916503256263

This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.