How Music Impacts Your Workouts
According to research, music affects your mind and body. Mental changes take place in
your mind when you listen to music, boosting endurance by up to 15 percent and giving you an adrenaline rush that helps to further reach your goals of being healthier and more fit.
Four factors contribute to a songs way of motivating you; musicality, rhythm response, cultural impact, and association. Musicality is a songs melody and harmony, which are known as the internal factors. Your musical background or preferences influence you cultural impact and association which you the listener has with the music. These are known as the external factors. Rhythm response is linked to the beats per minute(BPM) of the song and the heartbeat of the person exercising.
Did you know that 7 percent less oxygen is needed when you work out with music? It also helps block out that certain part of your conscience that tells you to give up which boosts your exercise efforts up to 10 percent! The rush that you get from listening to music while exercising gives you that extra boost of energy that makes you feel as though you can keep exercising for hours on end. Since listening to music will keep your efforts up longer, your workouts will be more effective, this in return will have you leaner and in better shape than you ever thought you would be in!
What kind of music makes you want to get up and move? Any music that motivates you while exercising can increase your heart rate and numb your reaction time of being fatigued by a workout. Slow and energetic music is great for a warm up, but fast tempo music will get you up and raging during a workout. Just make sure that you gradually slow the music down towards the middle to the end of your workout so that you don’t burn yourself out to quickly.
The music that you choose to workout with does not have to be a certain theme, although it could be if you choose to. Whether your motivational music if from Taylor Swift to Lil Wayne all the way to BB King, the only music that will have you putting more effort and endurance into your exercising is music that inspires and motivates YOU.
If you have no idea about what type of music gets you revved up during a workout, try experimenting …
Environmentally Friendly Workout Clothing on a Budget
Not only can green, eco-friendly workout clothing be difficult to find, it can also be very pricey. After all, organics come with a price tag. But in shopping around I have found some deals on some great eco-friendly clothing that is perfect for exercising.
Organic cotton is the most popular environmentally friendly fabric. It is cool, lightweight, and wicks away moisture, making it ideal for working out. Some sites offer simple organic cotton tank tops for $50 or more, which I nor few that I know can afford to pay these days! But at price on an A. S. Bamboo & Cotton Boat Neck Tee. It retails at $20, but Amazon sells it for only $15. It is a pretty sky blue, dyed with eco-friendly dyes.
A fairly recent innovation in eco-friendly fabric is RPET, which is made from recycled plastic bottles. There aren't a whole lot of places that you can find this new fabric yet, and with it not being readily available, one might expect it to come with a hefty price tag. But it's surprisingly more affordable than I though it would be! Coca-Cola makes a line of RPET clothing that is comprised completely of their own old bottles, including an adorable shirt with a whale design that is about $20. This fabric is considered polyester, so it is not as breathable as cotton or bamboo, but it is a great way to do something abut the plastic bottle scourge!
Any of these shirts would look wonderful with a pair of cotton yoga pants from Bamboo Clothes. The may seem a little pricey at $48, but many comparable bamboo pants sell for over $100! They are roomy and comfortable, with a seam along the front to add detail. They are also tagless, so they won't be all itchy and annoying!
EcoSneaks by Simple are shoes made entirely from recycled and organic, sustainable materials. At Greenloop, they offer these EcoSneaks made from super-durable hemp and whose soles used to be car tires. With a good pair of shoes usually being a fairly expensive purchase, you may be surprised to learn that these shoes are just $55!…
Some Really Good Workout Music
Hi. Do you like working out? Do you like rock and metal music? Are you looking for some awesome head-banging music to listen to? Well, guess what? This article is just for you! I've compiled a list of 10 of my favorite metal songs and provided links to each of the songs. Long gone are the days when you were tired of listening to boring music. The following songs won't disappoint you. I promise!
- Machine Head – Left Unfinished
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_gxyw61gyk - Fear Factory – Slave Labor
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TJVHHQW6aE - Fear Factory – Cyberwaste
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j0WrFXsvPvU - Fear Factory – Act of God
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B23jM5d5tKI - Cerebral Bore – Epileptic Strobe Entrapment
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LzgfcliSk78 - Entombed – Time Out
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLXXzSp71NI - Converge – Aimless Arrow
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DoZlujggIq0 - Meshuggah – Perpetual Black Second
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWAm0B88vUU - Machine Head – Exhale The Vile
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp_3YeUQEFE - Machine Head – Nothing Left
Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiKxyO5QMl8
Well there you have it, folks! That's my list of awesome workout music. I hope you liked it. And if some of the links don't work, then you can always do a Google search of the song titles. Ok, well, enjoy! Rock on! m/…
Music Genres that Support Your Workout
Working out at the gym is more than just about weight loss; it is about gaining positive mental health, becoming physically stronger, and increasing your inner potential to overcome obstacles. And what better way to get all those things and more, than with a killer soundtrack featuring seductive Latin, heart-pounding Rock, and energizing Dance/Club mixes!
When you feel the rhythm and drive of a great musical pulse, the time spent working on the treadmill seems to fly just as fast as you.
Latin (Exotic Appeal):
You cannot walk past a Zumba class, without hearing some Latin music: Paulina Rubio's "All Around the World", Claudia Leitte's "Largadinho", or Thalia's "Salsa Mujer Latina". Latin music was made to seduce your body move (it is all about the hips); it drives you to get lost rhythm of the percussion and aids your cardio by making your body sync up to the beats.
Look at the Latin dances, all passionate dances that can heat up the dance floor and most certainly, your workout routine.
Rock (Power Motivator):
Some days, you just want to feel invincible. A hard rock song can pump you up physically and mentally, whether you are working the weight room or using the spin room. When the first Expendables came out, the trailer featured Shinedown's song "Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay, Boom-Lay, Boom)" a song who's lyrics "one push is all you need" might push you to getting your second wind and do that extra mile.
Or, if you are in the mood for girl rock, The Pretty Reckless (created and fronted by former Gossip Girl actress Taylor Momsen) can help you get an edge with "Make Me Want to Die", "Factory Girl", and "Miss Nothing". The Donna's "Fall Behind Me" adds competition, and Jem's "24" adds oomph to any playlist.
Dance/Club (Fun and Upbeat):
Dance/club music has energy.
And that is what any good workout needs to have. If you do not have the energy, then you are not going to feel motivated to put your all in, but rather be satisfied going through the motions. Cascada's "Everytime We Touch" , Kevin Rudolph's "Let It Rock" keeps a steady rhythm, and Betty Who's "Somebody Loves You" is a nice nostalgic track, reminding you of the 80s dance/pop.
Tips:
Find what you like, what gets you pumped and do not be afraid to experiment with different music genres. After all, the music is …
Workout Music for Movie Buffs
When most people load up their IPod with music for the gym, a walk, or a jog they inevitably choose pop music. And trust me, I've got my fair share of Beyonce and Nelly Furtado on mine. But seldom do people consider using music from film as the soundtrack for their motivation. But soundtrack music and film score is some of the most invigorating and inspiring music you could possibly find! For starters, the music is emotionally loaded. It was meant to make you feel something at a certain point in a film. Try listening to the main theme from Indiana Jones and not wanting to run, jump, climb, or just go adventuring in general. Press play on the film score from Batman Begins, and I challenge you not to feel like a tough guy.
Just this morning, as I waddled through the frozen tundra of Muncie, Indiana on my daily walk, I couldn't help but giggle. I felt so inspired, but surely people just saw a little mismatched Eskimo trudging through the wind and snow, and thought, "What the heck is she doing out in this kind of weather?" But you'd be surprised what the power of music can carry you through. These are my top ten suggestions for composers and films that I KNOW will get you going on your walk or run, whether it's in the gym or the elements.
1.) John Williams – Where do I even begin? He's the man responsible for the music of Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Jurassic Park, Jaws, and much of the Harry Potter film franchise (and the most recognizable themes therein). If you can't connect with inspiration listening to John Williams, I think you might just be dead inside. He goes heavy on the brass, which makes for very regal sounding music. He also leans a lot toward composing music in the form of a march or with march-like rhythms, and nothing gets you stepping like a march! Speaking of which, my favorite piece of his is entitled, "March of the Slave Children" from "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom".
2.) Alan Silvestri – I mainly listen to Back to the Future, but he's done oh so much more. Contact, especially is a tearjerker of a score. But not so great to work out to. The driving rhythms of Back to the Future will get you moving at a …
Pounding Music Can Increase Workout Intensity
Music in a workout setting, whether in a gym or at home, helps to keep the body on workout pace. There is a huge market for workout compilations and mp3s that drive workouts with a strong bass beat. These beats are often customized based on the type of workout. Faster beats are perfect for jogging or running, while slower paced music can help push you through an hour long walk on the treadmill. After leaving the cardiovascular workout behind, music tracks can change up for weight lifting with many people again choosing strong bass lines or rock music. With all this focus on the beat, what about the volume?
Turn It Up for a Few More Reps
Experts have found that the type of music listened to during a weight training workout may not be as important as the volume of that music. While volume levels should be kept loud enough to eliminate most background noise, maximum volume levels are often discouraged due to potential hearing loss. However, turning up the volume at the end of a set could help push a few extra repetitions out.
When music is turned up beyond that comfort level, the body reacts as if a threat is being posed. Adrenaline is produced and released which gives the body a little extra energy and strength. The effect is short lived, but on average women who turned up their volume higher pushed out seven extra repetitions.
Achieving the Adrenaline Boost With Fewer Side Effects
Even a short spurt of maximum volume could be harmful to sensitive ears, but there is a way around this effect. Purchasing sound canceling headphones may help to eliminate background noise without having to increase volume. This allows the music volume to be turned down lower during the workout. The adrenaline effect occurs when volume is increased substantially which means noise canceling headphones can produce the same effect without having to max out the volume button.
Choosing different music is another fantastic choice. Playing slow paced, soft music will not produce the adrenaline effect of louder, pulse pounding selections. For die hard rock fans, finding just the right tracks is easy. But, for people who love country or adult contemporary music, choosing a premade workout mp3 or CD may be the best choice.
The gym is a place where working out above and beyond your personal best form last week is the …
Where to Buy Eco-Conscious Workout Clothing on a Budget
Socks. REI Ingeo socks are made from corn-based fiber instead of cotton and are blended with some polyester and Lycra to bring moisture-wicking properties and stretchiness to the sock. Customers rate these socks highly for their softness.
Shorts. Certain types of Under Armour shorts are made with 100% recycled polyester. For men, the Oliver Shorts are an eco-conscious option made from 86% recycled polyester. You can find them at REI for $30. For women, The Swain Short is both eco-conscious and budget-friendly. You can find it for about $25 on the Under Armour website.
Shirts. It can be difficult to find an eco-conscious shirt because most workout tops are made from artificial materials. I have found that the Patagonia Capilene line of tops are both the most budget-friendly and the most value-added. Not only are these shirts eco-conscious, but they are also moisture-wicking and odor-resistant. Patagonia clothing can be expensive, but it is much more budget-friendly at stores such as Sierra Trading Post and Campmor.
Bra Tops. Bra tops are another piece of workout gear in which it can be difficult to find an eco-friendly model. Prana makes several versions of bra tops that are either made from recycled materials or made from eco-friendly organic cotton. The Prana Maura Top is made from 89% recycled polyester and offers a full-coverage top with internal shelf bra. Prana products are rather widely available, but the best prices for them are at Campmor and Sierra Trading Post.
Hats. Whether you need hot weather or cold weather protection, it is possible to find an eco-conscious hat that fits your budget. If moisture-management is at the top of your list, then the Nike Feather Light Cap is your best bet. It is made from recycled polyester and designed to keep the sweat out of your eyes. The best price is usually found at the Nike online store. If warmth is your priority, then the Jacob Ash EcoRaggs cap is your best bet. The EcoRaggs cap is made from a recycled soda bottle/wool blend that will keep your head warm and wick …
