Scientists say this simple music trick can boost workout endurance by 20%

"A new study shows that listening to your own favorite workout music can dramatically boost endurance. Cyclists exercising with self-selected songs lasted nearly 20% longer than when riding in silence, yet they didn't feel more exhausted at the end. Researchers say music may help people stay in the "pain zone" longer without increasing perceived strain."

"The study focused on recreationally active adults cycling at high intensity while listening to music they personally chose. Most of the tracks fell within a tempo range of about 120-140 beats per minute. Compared to exercising in silence, participants were able to continue riding for nearly six additional minutes before reaching exhaustion."

"Choosing your own workout music may help you exercise nearly 20% longer without making the effort feel harder. Credit: Shutterstock"

"Lead researcher Andrew Danso from JYU's Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain said the results could have practical value for anyone trying to improve exercise performance or stick with a training routine. "Self-selected music doesn't change your fitness level or make your heart work dramatically harder in the moment -- it simply helps you tolerate sustained effort f"

Cyclists exercising at high intensity while listening to personally chosen music lasted nearly 20% longer than when riding in silence. Participants continued for about six additional minutes before reaching exhaustion. The music mostly fell within a tempo range of roughly 120–140 beats per minute. The added endurance occurred without participants reporting greater exhaustion at the end of the ride. The effect suggests music helps people tolerate sustained effort longer while staying in a challenging “pain zone” without increasing perceived strain. The findings indicate a practical strategy for improving performance and maintaining training routines.

Read at ScienceDaily