At Ping Center, some patrons run with iPods and MP3 players while others choose to listen to whatever song blares out of the speakers. Most people assume that this music doesn't affect their exercise routine, but some experts say that this is not the case.
The music a person listens to while at the gym could influence the intensity and length of their workout, said Dr. Steven Wininger, an associate professor of psychology at Western Kentucky University, who has done several studies on music and motivation.
This response depends on the individual and the music itself.
There are two aspects of music that influence a person's motivation during an activity ' tempo and music preference, said Anita Louise Steele, the Ohio University music therapy program chairwoman.
Music tempo has been the main factor found to increase intensity and performance in exercise, Wininger said.
(When listening to music)
a person's body will unconsciously sync itself to the tempo he said.
If the tempo is too slow, a person will get bored and if it is too fast, a person will become frustrated and disoriented, lowering the motivation to exercise, he said.
There is also evidence that a person's heartbeat will try to match the beat of the music being played, Wininger said.
What tempo should be used is often determined by the exercise itself.
Studies on exercise have found that there are optimal paces for certain activities, Wininger said. -
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Nikki Naab-Levy
