If you’ve ever found yourself suddenly lifting heavier just because your favorite song came on, you’re not imagining things. Science backs it up—music can actually make you stronger, faster, and more enduring. But how? Let’s break down what the nerds in lab coats have found.
The Studies (AKA People on Treadmills with Headphones)
A bunch of researchers, including Karageorghis & Terry (1997), strapped people onto treadmills and had them run while listening to different types of music. Some got fast-paced bangers, some got slower tunes, and some poor souls got nothing but their own thoughts. The results? The fast-paced music group lasted significantly longer, reported lower perceived exertion, and probably looked way cooler while running.
Then in 2012, another group of researchers (Bacon, Myers, & Karageorghis) tested how motivational music impacted endurance. They had people cycle while listening to either upbeat music or nothing at all. Turns out, the motivational music made them pedal longer and harder. Translation? Hype playlists = gains.
Music and Strength Training – The Hype Is Real
A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (2010) took a bunch of gym-goers and had them do sprint and weightlifting exercises with and without music. Those with music—especially fast-tempo tracks—sprinted faster and lifted heavier. Another study by Biagini et al. (2014) tested music’s effect before lifting and found that listening to pump-up tracks before hitting the weights increased power and explosiveness.
In short, blasting metal, rap, or whatever gets your adrenaline going before a lift might actually make you stronger. So, go ahead—cue up that pre-workout anthem.
My Personal Experience – The Soundtrack to PRs
My top artists and songs every year on Spotify are straight from my workout playlist. If I’m going for a 1RM, you better believe I’m making sure I’ve got the right song playing. There’s nothing worse than getting hyped up for a big lift and having a terrible song (or worse, a commercial) hit mid-set. Heaven help me if that happens—I’m either failing the lift or setting a new rage PR. The right music makes all the difference, and science just backs up what I already knew.
How They Measured It – Science Stuff, But Simple
Scientists measured results based on time to exhaustion (how long participants could go before tapping out), power output (how much force they generated), and perceived effort (basically, how much they felt like dying). Across multiple studies, people who had music consistently performed better and felt like the workout was easier than those without it.
Key Takeaways for Your Gym Sessions
- Fast-tempo music helps with endurance. If you’re doing cardio, find songs with a beat around 120-140 BPM.
- Motivational music can push you further. If the lyrics make you want to take over the world, it’s a good choice.
- Pre-lift music boosts strength. So don’t be afraid to put your headphones on and get in the zone before a big set.
- Silence is the enemy. Unless you’re a monk or enjoy listening to your own breathing, music is scientifically proven to make workouts feel easier and more enjoyable.
So next time you hit the gym, don’t just wing it—curate a playlist that makes you feel like an absolute beast. Science says it’ll pay off.