Here is the scenario: you have one last set of — insert exercise here — you either:
- A. Look around to find “motivation” to psyche you up?
- B. Say “Ahhh, I’ll skip it and hit it harder next time.”
- C. Grab your iPod and blast your get-psyched-up song one last time?
If you chose
“A”
it’s time to find some new reasons to workout. If you chose
“B”
you punked out, maybe you should pack up your skirt and go home. For those of you that chose
“C”
Congratulations!! Pumping your favorite workout music may do more than drown out the constant yakking of your workout neighbors; it could get you to work harder and longer.
Various researchers have proven that the tunes you rock out to during your workouts can have a real effect on them. Among other things, one study out of Sao Paolo State University’s Physical Education Department found that exercising while listening to “non-preferred” music versus “preferred” music resulted in an increase in perceived exertion. In other words, if you are listening to the crummy music your gym might play, then you might be more likely to walk out on the last tough set. What’s the moral of the story? Change what you are listening to and you’ll likely be able to push through just one more set.
I asked around to see what different people were listening to while they were clanging iron, pedaling or trying to run to new height. I spoke to four guys and asked them what their playlists were for lifting and cardio sessions. Here is what they told me:
Occupation: Trainer, Physical Therapist
Sports Interests: Rugby, collegiate wrestling
Heartz of Men – 2Pac
Heart of a City (Ain’t No Love) – Jay-Z
Criminal – Eminem
Slam – Onyx
Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
Come on Feel the Noize – Quiet Riot
Roc Boys (And the Winner Is) – Jay-Z
Mama Said Knock You Out – L.L. Cool J
Occupation: Student, Model
Sports Interests: Boxing, Bodybuilding
Holy Ghost – Rick Ross ft. Diddy
I’m a Boss – Meek Mill
I’m On One – Lil Wayne
Killa Kam – Cam’ron
Told You So – T.I.
Never Scared – Bone Crusher ft. Killer Mike & T.I.
Future – Magic ft. T.I.
Ambitionz Az A Rider – 2 Pac
No Problem – Lil’ Scrappy
Occupation: College student
Sports interests: Basketball, Football
Ruff Ryders’ Anthem – DMX
I’m a Boss – Meek Mill
Hard in Da’ Paint — Waka Flocka Flame
We Ridin’ – Boyz N Da Hood
Look At Me Now – Chris Brown
We Be Gettin’ Money – Juvenile
Soul Survivor – Young Jeezy
Spend It – 2 Chainz ft. T.I.
Occupation: MTA supervisor
Sports interests: Boxing
7 Loca Pop – Antony Santos
Escudo de Dios – Omega
Mi Quieren Llegar – Omega
Fugeo Con To – Cromo X ft. Toxic Crow
Dale Chocolate – Don Chezina ft. Valentino
Ello no Tan Sonado – Doble T & El Crok
No se lo que ella dice – Chico Rock
As you can see there is no “one” definitive playlist. It all depends on what your listening preference is. The diverse spread of music presented above cuts across a number of genres including hard rock, metal, Latin-merengue, dembow and hip-hop.
These days, you can find free music downloads almost anywhere on the net. If you are interested in some of the songs on Ramon B.’s all-Latino playlist, visit Lomaximoproductions.com. It is one of the most popular Latino music sites, offering free download of Latino and most urban music.
An alternative to having to create your own play list is to go to sites like Playlist.com that will create one for you to download. All you have to do it to type in the genre. For those of you that like apps you can try Pandora, Shazam, or a new one called Fit Radio. They all offer free music streaming and minimal interruption from preprogrammed commercials. If you want to go truly distraction free, you will have to sign up to pay.
It has been said that music can sooth the savage beast. Music can also turn you into one, giving you the push you need to get you through the most grueling of workouts. All you need is the right list.
If you found this article helpful, check these out: Hitting the Wall: Dealing with Workout Fatigue; 300 Warrior Workout