Music is a great ally to activate the body and perform physical activity. However, what type of music is right for you? 

The most appropriate musical genre depends on the type of sports activity you do. For example, if you do yoga and listen to reggaeton, or practice volleyball and listen to indie rock, you will not be able to perform at one hundred percent. 

What is the importance of music when exercising? 

There are many studies that analyze the power of music in training, some of them are: 

• Northwestern University established that music with strong rhythms activates those who listen to it. As an example of such songs, Northwestern mentions We will rock you by Queen and Get ready for this by 2 Unlimited. 
• The U.S. National Center for Health Research indicated that sounds with a high musical beat are best for performance. They also reduce fatigue when running on the street or treadmill. 

How does Spotify feel about this?

In 2018, this music platform noted that rock or electro tunes have become sports anthems.

People aged 13 to 35 consider rap and hip hop to empower them to lift weights at the gym or in CrossFit. Male audiences tend to prefer artists such as Eminem, Kanye West, and Macklemore & Ryan. While women prefer Bruno Mars. 

People aged 34 to 54 prefer ’80s sounds such as Eye of the Tiger by the band Survivor. 

What genre is recommended for exercise? 

Brunel University in London recommends the following: 

Pop: The rhythms are repetitive and perfect for exercises such as aerobics, jumping fitness, warming up, and finishing the routine. 

Dance and rap: Dance sounds and beats of these genres are ideal for strength activities such as calisthenics, weights or CrossFit. 

Rock: It is recommended to listen to light rock music with beats that accompany the heart rate so as not to alter the nervous system. 

Oldies but goodies: Experts emphasize that it is enough to listen to songs from your teenage years or songs that make you feel alive. Because, to remember is to live. 

And you, what kind of music do you listen to when you exercise? 

Remember, UNIB offers the Master in Physical Activity: Sports Training and Management.  Source: What is the best music for exercise?