In a world where trying to gain a competitive edge is at an all-time high, everybody is searching for the next big thing to help bring their workouts to the next level. Many individuals end up using some type of ergogenic aid. According to the National Strength and Conditioning Association, an ergogenic aid is any substance, mechanical aid, or training method that improves sport performance. Dietary supplements and special equipment are two common avenues that athletes use (sometimes legally and, unfortunately, sometimes illegally).
Consider Music as a Motivational Aid
Do you use any ergogenic aids? You may think that you do not, but chances are you probably do. One of the most popular ergogenics that gym-goers currently utilize is music. “Music?”, you’re probably asking yourself. Yes. I know it does not really fall into the category of substances, mechanical aids, or training methods, but the music can have very similar performance-enhancing effects.
Do you listen to music while you work out? If so, what kind of music do you listen to? For me personally, music allows for a sense of focus to happen. I pick my favorite workout song (Guns N’ Roses: “Welcome to the Jungle”) and I find every bit of energy I have to push through a personal record attempt or final set of a hard training session. That is what training is all about.
In many cases, regardless of the type of exercise you perform, you must break the barrier that stands between you and that next step. Music also allows for a positivity to flow throughout your workout. It makes everything more enjoyable! Let’s face it: if every training session were boring and stagnant, how long would you continue on that program? My guess would be not too long. You have to enjoy yourself to some extent while you are busting your backside, and music might be a way to do that.
My Workout Music Preferences Survey
As I was contemplating music and this blog, I thought to myself, “Alex, does everyone listen to music when they work out? What kind of music do they listen to?” I decided to create a little survey that I sent out to the employees of NIFS to get the cold, hard facts about music. In total, 36 NIFS employees completed the survey. Check out the results below!
What best characterizes the type of exercise you perform most often?
- Cardiovascular (i.e., running, biking, etc.): 16/36, 44.44%
- Resistance training: 12/36, 33.33%
- Cross-training: 4/36, 11.11%
- Other (please specify): 4/36, 11.11%
Answers included: “Real work—kettlebells” (I wonder who that was), mental exercises, and combinations of resistance and cardiovascular training.
What type of music do you generally listen to on a day-to-day basis? (not when working out)?
- Alternative: 3/36, 8.33%
- Blues: 0/36, 0%
- Classical: 2/36, 5.56%
- Country: 4/36, 11.11%
- Jazz: 0/36, 0%
- Metal: 1/36, 2.78%
- Rap: 2/36, 5.56%
- Pop: 11/36, 30.56%
- Rock: 1/36, 2.78%
- Classic rock: 2/36, 5.56%
- Techno: 1/36, 2.78%
- I do not listen to music: 0/36, 0%
- Other (please specify): 9/36, 25%
Answers included: Folk, Christian, Dance/New Age, and combinations of the above genres.
Do you listen to music while you work out?
- Yes: 27/36, 75%
- No: 9/36, 25%
What genre of music do you listen to while you work out?
- Alternative: 1/36, 2.78%
- Blues: 0/36, 0%
- Classical: 1/36, 2.78%
- Country: 1/36, 2.78%
- Jazz: 0/36, 0%
- Metal: 1/36, 2.78%
- Rap: 5/36, 13.89%
- Pop: 11/36, 30.56%
- Rock: 3/36, 8.33%
- Classic rock: 1/36, 2.78%
- Techno: 2/36, 5.56%
- I do not listen to music: 7/36, 19.44%
- Other (please specify): 3/36, 8.33%
Answers included: Skrillex, Dance, or “music in my soul OR Jerry’s loud music.”
If you had to choose only one song to get ready for an intense training session, what would it be? (artist and song name)
- Booker T and the M.G.s: “Green Onions”
- Voodoo & Serano: “Blood Is Pumping”
- Pharrell: “Happy”
- Fall Out Boy: “The Phoenix”
- Steve Aoki: “Turbulence”
- Enrique Iglesias: “Escape”
- Sia: “The Greatest”
- Drake: “Started from the Bottom”
- Skillet: “Monster”
- Fetty Wap: “No Days Off”
- Foo Fighters: “Best of You”
- Avenged Sevenfold: “Unholy Confessions”
- Eric B. and Rakim: “Don’t Sweat the Technique”
- Rachel Platten: “Fight Song”
- Katy Perry: “Roar”
- Metallica: “One”
- Young Jeezy: “Put On”
- X Ambassadors: “Jungle”
- Macklemore and Ryan Lewis: “Can’t Hold Us”
- ANY Michael Jackson song
- ANY Carrie Underwood song
- Gym Class Heroes: “The Fighter”
- U2: “Beautiful Day”
- Avicii: “Wake Me Up”
- Metallica: “Fuel”
- Gym Class Heroes: “The Fighter”
- AC/DC: “Thunderstruck”
- Bruno Mars: “Uptown Funk”
- FOALS: “Mountain at My Gate”
- Carrie Underwood: “Before He Cheats”
Regardless of what type of music you listen to, try to make it part of your exercise routine. If you already do, keep at it. I think it will make your workouts more focused and potentially more fun. As the legend Lil’ John said, “Turn Down for What?” So turn up the volume and rock out with your weights out!
Note all songs are trademarks This blog was written by Alex Soller. To find out more about the NIFS bloggers, click here.