Working out to your best tunes
As part of his New Year resolution, Sam enrolled at his neighbourhood gym. However, he says his good intentions fell by the wayside when the instructor decided to play Celine Dion music for the whole workout session.
“I have no problem with Celine but her songs tend to be the type that calms you down instead of getting you fired up,” he says. He left the gym and has never gone back.
Music is a huge deal when it comes to working out. The role of music in a gym is to inspire, motivate and uplift the mood of those working out.
Usually, he says, they start with a slow tempo for warming up and keep upping the tempo until it reaches the peak and then slow it down as the session winds down.
The instructor has the liberty to choose the music to suit the particular session he is having and the people working out.
The first song can make or break the workout. “For most people, getting started is the hardest part, so it is usually very helpful to start an aerobics session with a highly motivational song and during the middle of the workout when people’s energy is waning,” says Sam.
Motivation
Personal trainer Rahim says having a variety of different tunes to play breaks the monotony of a workout, especially if the session lasts long.
“The best workout songs can be fast, mid-tempo, uplifting, nostalgic, or funny. They should be catchy, feel-good and relatable songs that can literally help you shake off negative thoughts,” Rahim says.
Those trying to make a personal selection can include music that brings good memories and positive associations. “Load up your playlist with the kind of music you can never get enough listening to. Chances are you will get caught up singing every word of your favourite music and find yourself jogging further, lifting longer,” Oti adds. He recommends updating the playlist until the person has at least four or five different playlists.
Coach Fahad from Fitness Core in Ntinda says; “You choose music that is appropriate for the people according to their tastes and the exercise they are doing,” Fahad explains, adding that some people do not prefer music at all and would rather workout in a totally quiet environment.
