BEAT IT: The physical side effects of music

Some songs make your heart sing, others make your tummy tingle.

A set of squats in silence? No thanks. Cycling without a soundtrack? Boring! Burpees without a beat? BAHHH.

Whatever the workout, if you try it without music you might find the enjoyment factor instantly plummets. Music is key to any good workout – and there’s plenty of evidence to show how music can make exercise more enjoyable and effective, while keeping us motivated for longer.

However, new research indicates that if your workout beats are too predictable, you could be missing the energising joy that will take your workout to the next level.

We’ve all been there, in that mid-workout moment when the sudden change in the music pushes the excitement, hype and intensity through the roof. This is because, when chord sequences follow an unexpected pattern, people are more likely to feel sensations in their hearts. This suggests unexpected patterns spark feelings of energy, excitement and enthusiasm.

Research shows that when the chord sequence follows a more anticipated pattern, we are more likely to feel it in the gut. This type of predictable and unsurprising chord sequence prompts feelings of relief and calmness, reducing any feelings of anxiety, helping us feel satisfied and at ease.

The findings came after a team of musicians and researchers used analytical and statistical software to break down almost 900 songs. They then created 92 different but common four-chord sequences and began exploring how different variations of surprise and uncertainty were received.

Such different emotional and physical responses highlight the value of choosing different types of music to align with different ways to move.

How to make a good workout playlist:

Good music for lifting weights

You want to find a beat that raises the energy, but it’s not too explosive or jarring. There needs to be a melodic feel so you can lose yourself in the music.

Good music for cardio

While fast high-energy music with a high number of beats per minute is great for sparking energy, if you want sustained motivation, you need to feel like the music takes you on a journey. The BPM should be high but with plenty of change and variety.

Good music for Pilates and yoga

Calmer sounds help nurture that mind/body connection. The best mind/body music stays steady for longer so you have more time to feel at ease with the sound and the move, which creates a holistic feeling.

This piece originally appeared at lesmills.com.