Music does more than provide an entertaining soundtrack in a team locker room or weight room. Synchronizing your workout to the tempo of the music distracts your mind from feelings of fatigue and improves workout output.
So says livestrong.com, which highlights research in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Physiology to the effect that music is a physiological arousal agent. It can alter an athlete’s emotional state before and during training, helping to alleviate anxiety and nerves.
Music’s ability to distract you and lessen the impact of fatigue is known as a dissociation effect. According to fitnessvenues.com, listening to music during repetitive exercise narrows your focus and diverts your attention away from feelings of fatigue, resulting in a 10 percent reduction in perceived level of exertion.
Further, according to Livestrong.com, athletes benefit most from upbeat, high tempo music during training, because it provides motivation to work harder and positively impacts mental attitude.
STACK wants to know what artist keeps you going in the weight room or on the track. Take the poll and share your thoughts.[poll id=”2″] Don’t see your favorite artist? Let us know and we’ll add him or her to the list. Now get motivated and movin’ with these pro athlete playlists.
Miami Heat F LeBron James
On to the Next One [feat. Swizz Beatz] – Jay-Z
Aston Martin Music [feat. Drake and Chrisette] – Rick Ross
Four Kicks – Kings of Leon
No Love [feat. Lil Wayne] – Eminem
That’s All She Wrote [feat. Eminem] –T.I.
Kush [feat. Snoop Dogg and Akon] – Dr. Dre
Misery Business – Paramore
Good Life – OneRepublic
Another One Bites the Dust – Queen
Runaway – Kanye West and Pusha T
What I’ve Done – Linkin Park
Bodysnatchers – Radiohead
Use Somebody – Kings of Leon
6 Foot 7 Foot [feat. Cory Gunz] – Lil Wayne
Stronger – Kanye West
Pressure – Paramore
Over – Drake
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
Olympian Michael Phelps
Overnight Celebrity – Twista
Burn – Usher
Roses – Outkast
‘Till I Collapse – Eminem
Smile – G Unit
Pro Skateboarder Tony Hawk
The Beginning of the End – Nine Inch Nails
Clampdown – The Clash
Strange Times – The Black Keys
Mr. Brownstone – Guns N’ Roses
White Unicorn – Wolfmother
Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn
Sweet Dreams – Beyoncé
Dead and Gone [feat. Justin Timberlake] – T.I.
Empire State of Mind [feat. Alicia Keys] – Jay-Z
Poker Face – Lady Gaga
Sources:  livestrong.com, fitnessvenues.com, greasyguide.com
Photo:  brainstormlive.com