Certain types of music invigorate us. Everyone has a favorite genre, artist, or song that speaks to them on an individual level. Whether it’s to help you focus or to pump up your adrenaline, music serves as a valuable motivational tool.
“Music has always been a matter of Energy to me, a question of Fuel. Sentimental people call it Inspiration, but what they really mean is Fuel. I have always needed Fuel. I am a serious consumer. On some nights I still believe that a car with the gas needle on empty can run about fifty more miles if you have the right music very loud on the radio.” ― Hunter S. Thompson
You’ll notice at almost every sporting event, the home team starts the game with some elaborate entrance music for the players. Not only is this to hype up the crowd, but to motivate the players as well. The same principles can be applied for your daily exercise.
While the other members will likely not cheer your arrival in the fitness center, you can still let your favorite songs bring out your best physical/athletic performance.
Music is a Motivational Tool
According to Costas Karageorghis, Ph.D., one of the world’s leading authorities on music and exercise from London’s Brunel University School of Sport and Education, “music is like a legal drug for athletes. It can reduce the perception of effort significantly and increase endurance by as much as 15 percent.”
Music’s potency on our minds and bodies reaches far beyond what we have the ability to consciously comprehend. When you exercise, you can channel the musical grooves into your own physical strength to complete a workout, and to push myself even further at times.
So, we invite you to get lost in your music when things get tough. Whether you’re going through a difficult workout or a really hard day at the office, take a minute to get out of your head, and get into the music. Need some inspiration? Below, we have listed a small sample of motivational songs to help you get started! You can also check out our official Elite Sports Clubs Spotify profile for playlists from your favorite group exercise instructors!
Motivational music for your playlist:
- Born to Fly – Sarah Evans
- From Yesterday – 30 Seconds to Mars
- Geronimo – Sheppard
- Hallelujah – Vitamin String Quartet
- Human – The Killers
- I Don’t Feel Like Dancing – Scissor Sisters
- I Wanna Be Sedated – Ramones
- I Will Not Be Afraid of Women – Dar Williams
- Mercy – Duffy
- Starships – Nicki Minaj
- Take On Me – Ah Ha!
- You are All I Need – Bethany Dillon