If you’re someone who loves working out, you probably know how music can push you past your limits. For a lot of us, the idea of exercising without music feels unbearable— I know I’ve cut quite a few workouts short when my headphones died.
And it’s not just us. Top athletes count on music too. You’ve probably seen them walking onto the field or court with headphones on, fully focused. Their playlist isn’t just for fun—it’s helping them lock in.
In fact, music has proven to be such a powerful motivator that it’s banned in some athletic events. For example, the 2007 New York Marathon prohibited headphones to prevent any unfair advantage and keep runners safe. Music was literally viewed as a performance enhancer. Many runners weren’t happy, as they relied on music to keep their pace and push through the pain of long distances.
Listening to music before, during, or after a workout can really boost your performance. Let’s dive into why music is like a secret weapon for getting through tough workouts.
The History of Humans and the Power of Music
Before science, humans already understood music’s power. It’s a universal language that connects people and goes beyond sound. Music has always been a tool for survival, expression, and bonding.
Take the simple act of a mother singing a lullaby to her infant. This isn’t just a sweet gesture— it’s ancient wisdom. Long before psychologists could explain the calming effects of music on a baby’s nervous system, mothers intuitively understood that singing could create a sense of safety and peace.
History is filled with examples of how music has been used in critical moments. Spartans, for instance, marched into battle with rousing war songs that fired up their spirits and bonded them as warriors. The steady rhythm and intensity of the music helped align their steps, synchronize their attacks, and boost their collective morale.
Beyond battlefields and nursery rooms, music has long been a way for people to ease life’s challenges. From sailors singing sea shanties to lighten the burden of long, grueling journeys, to field workers using call-and-response songs to pace their labor, humans have turned to music to escape pain and find joy. Even something as casual as whistling a happy tune during a difficult day can shift a person’s mindset and distract them from their immediate struggles.
Whether it’s ancient rituals or modern workout playlists, music has always been a cornerstone of the human experience. We know deep down that music moves us, literally and emotionally.
The Science Behind Music Helping Increase Athletic Performance
Music has long been described as “ergogenic”—meaning work-enhancing—and modern science is now confirming what athletes and gym-goers have felt all along: music can give you that extra edge.
Whether you’re trying to push through a tough workout or maximize your endurance, music taps into your brain’s reward system, delivering bursts of feel-good chemicals like adrenaline, dopamine, and endorphins. And these aren’t just for show. They can elevate your mood, reduce your perception of effort, and help you power through.
Four Ways Music Can Boost Your Performance, Power, and Strength
1. Music Helps Distract You from Feeling Tired
Raise your hand if a DMX bark or a “Chop Suey!” grunt has pushed you through that last rep while working out. Okay, that may be too specific, but I’m certainly guilty.
But anyway, music has this effect because it helps our brains tune out the fatigue creeping in. This is called dissociation—basically, music shifts your focus away from how tired you feel. In fact, researchers at Brunel University in the UK found that music can make a workout feel 12% easier and boost your endurance by 15%.
So, when you’re pushing through those last few reps or miles, those melodies and inspirational lyrics could be the reason you’re able to frame physical discomfort in a more positive light.
2. Music Helps You “Get in the Zone”
Music can be an underrated tool for getting into a flow state—a mental zone where everything just clicks and you feel like you’re on autopilot. Athletes call it being “in the zone,” and if you’ve ever played sports, you’ve probably felt it. It’s like standing at the three-point line and the hoop looks as big as the ocean, or stepping up to bat and the baseball looks like a beachball. You’re in a trance, fully locked in, and music can help get you there.
A lot of athletes use music to visualize their moves and routines, getting their minds in sync with their bodies. Whether it’s before a game or during training, music allows them to block out distractions and focus entirely on what they want to achieve. It becomes the soundtrack to their preparation, helping them stay centered, motivated, and ready to perform at their best.
3. Syncing Music with Movement Can Elevate Your Workout
Research shows that matching your movements to the rhythm of a song can help you work harder without even realizing it. Music has the power to smooth out your motions, keep you balanced, and push your endurance further. Have you ever noticed how a fast beat can make you speed up during a run or workout?
Take Haile Gebrselassie, for example—one of the greatest distance runners ever. He broke the 10,000-meter world record in ’98 by syncing his strides to the pop song “Scatman.” That song became a staple at his races, helping him push his pace. Guess the US Track & Field’s music ban a few years later didn’t come out of nowhere!
4. Music Triggers Emotions that Enhance Your Workout Experience
Research shows that music can stir up positive emotions and memories, boosting your internal motivation and making the activity more enjoyable. This effect is even stronger when a song reminds you of something meaningful in your life. Why is this important? Studies suggest that these emotional connections can help you stick to your exercise routine longer than usual.
Final Thoughts
In short, music isn’t just background noise and you probably already knew that. It’s basically a legal steroid! So next time you head out for a workout, remember to charge those headphones. It could be the difference between a meh workout and an amazing one.
