Do you listen to music while you exercise? If you do, then you might consider cranking up your tunes the next time you are feeling fatigued midway through your third set of tricep dips.
According to a new study, women were able to pump up their workouts (especially strength training exercises) when they pumped up the volume on their iPods. Researchers say the female study participants performed a lot better and were happier when they were rocking out to loud tunes.
The study’s results support a growing body of research suggesting that music is a real motivator for exercise. What’s more, according to researchers, the type of music doesn’t matter as long as it is blasted at a high volume.
According to the study, loud music not only helps get you pumped up to tackle exercises, but it also distracts you from what you are doing and any pain you might be feeling. Researchers note that music causes a surge of adrenaline, which allows you to push past your pain threshold and lift heavier weights than you thought you could.
However, before you crank your personal stereo to the highest volume possible, be aware that prolonged exposure to loud sounds, including music, can damage your ears. Studies show long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communications Disorders, normal conversation is about 60 decibels, while noise on a busy city street can reach 85 decibels. In comparison, sounds from motorcycles, firecrackers and small firearms can soar to 120 to 150 decibels.
Health experts suggest that you crank your tunes when you are feeling fatigued or challenged, and turn down the volume during your warm-up and cool down periods.
What do you listen to while you are working out?
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