For most fitness enthusiasts, music and exercise are mutually inclusive. Their phones are loaded with the trending beats that make their work out more effective. Different genres of music are available for different types of fitness regimes. But does listening to music boost your workout? A recent study shows that listening to music induces an adrenaline rush that makes one aggressive and focused towards losing those stubborn kilos. It’s an obvious fact that it also diverts one’s attention from the pain and exhaustion of a rigorous workout. The study also reveals that music helps promote metabolic efficiency. Fitness aficionados in the city share what a huge role music plays in their workout sessions, what genres work the best and more.
Music helps to keep up the motivation and achieve fitness goals. Software developer Prashant Bhargava says, “Music is a huge part of my workout sessions. Initially, it was just the gym music but later on I shifted to my workout playlists. I have noticed that my concentration is a lot higher and since my workouts are very specific, it has helped me achieve my targets. I have four to five specific playlists that I keep ready for my workouts. For heavy workouts, I lean towards heavy metal rock and rap. I think the aggressive nature of these genres tend to build up the intensity with which I workout.”
Working out sometimes tends to become quite boring. But with music to aid our boredom, it can become a party. Nabanita Das, who is doctor and a Zumba instructor too, says. “I take Zumba classes, and I think music is very important while exercising or doing Zumba. It is mostly Latin music that I listen to. I think music sets the mood for a workout, and also helps motivate. Good music is very important as otherwise a workout session might become boring. Nowadays, people are more into group sessions as it tends to feel more like a party than a boring workout session.”
This fitness freak feels that music is not suitable for beginners. Priyaranajan Kumar, a software engineer in the city says, “I do a selection of workouts from running to functional regimes. Personally, I think the mood of the individual plays a huge role in the type of music they end up listening to. I tend to listen to mild and classical musis, which I feel is needed to keep the mind calm while working out.”
Fitness expert Lohith Nanjappa says, “Music is just an added motivation for many people. We come from a country that is very emotional and we relate music to all kinds of emotions. When it comes to fitness, music definitely helps with a metabolic boost. From whatever research I have done, happy music like club, house, hip-hop is what keeps people going. So any music that you can dance too and gives you a rush is perfect. I have even come across people who listen to old ghazals — Hrithik Roshan is one of the biggest examples. There are three types of people — the beginners who like to be charged up and listen to energy-based music. The more experienced like silence and prefer to be left alone and the last are the professionals who like soothing music.”
