If you have ever felt like your legs were heavy or your lungs were burning during a run, you know how hard it is to stay motivated. New research suggests that adding a playlist to your workout might change how your body and mind handle that strain. The study looked at 339 physically active adults to see how music affects performance.
Researchers found that people listening to music could exercise for a longer period of time before getting exhausted. They also reported feeling less effort during their workouts, even though their heart rates did not change significantly. While the evidence for some physical markers like blood lactate levels is still limited, the link between music and feeling less tired is more consistent.
It is important to remember that these results are based on a mix of different studies. Because the data comes from various sources, the strength of the evidence varies depending on what specifically was being measured. While music can make your workout feel easier, talk to your doctor about how to safely manage your personal fitness goals.