As DUFFNATICS, you know that music is a HUGE part of our environment here at DUFF. Nothing gets your heart racing more than a killer tune…but WHY is that? And WHAT are the BEST SONGS to get you pumped for a workout? And what about if you want to take a playlist with you while you run/bike/swim all over Mount Pleasant and Charleston? Read on to find out!
WHY MUSIC?
According to Scientific American, “Music distracts people from pain and fatigue, elevates mood, increases endurance, reduces perceived effort and may even promote metabolic efficiency. When listening to music, people run farther, bike longer and swim faster than usual—often without realizing it. In a 2012 review of the research, Costas Karageorghis of Brunel University in London, one of the world’s leading experts on the psychology of exercise music, wrote that one could think of music as ‘a type of legal performance-enhancing drug.’,”
HOW MUSIC WORKS
The Huffington Post explains, “Listening to music while exercising can release feel-good chemicals in the brain — such as dopamine and opioids — that may boost your mood, dull pain and make you less tired, scientists say.”
They continue to quote Dr. Daniel Levitin, a neuroscientist and author of This Is Your Brain On Music: “There are two possible mechanisms, and we haven’t sorted them out yet. Either music acts as a distractor (and distractors are known to modulate pain levels — this is why combat soldiers don’t always realize they’ve been shot until after a busy maneuver is over) or music acts as a mood enhancer (because the release of endogenous mu-opioids and other mood-enhancing chemicals raises the pain threshold).”
“That’s not all. The brain’s neurons can even synchronize with the tempo of music,” continues Levitin, who according to the Huffington Post, has “conducted numerous studies on how music affects the brain”. The Huffington Post adds, “Depending on the tempo, this synchronization can help you to perform repetitive motions, such as running, more quickly.”
MUSIC IN MOTION
So how do we get the most from our music? Take it from the New York Times, “Make up a playlist of your favorite songs, head to the gym or a running path and push yourself a bit. (If you have not been exercising, consult with your doctor first.) You may find that intervals are not only appealingly brief but also tolerable and even fun.”
MUSIC BY DUFF
With that in mind, we have compiled a DUFF playlist featuring our favorite songs and why they get us moving! Click on the links to hear the songs & download them to add to your own playlists!
Eli: “One of my favorites is called ‘Remember the name’ by Fort Minor. It’s very motivational, has a good fast beat, and the lyrics are in line with the mental motivation that you need during a workout of what it takes to get it done.
Sarah: “Eminem- Lose Yourself. Enough said in the title.”
DUFF: “Jump Around-House of Pain. Great for plyometric exercises! And Rage Against the Machine-Bulls on Parade because the intensity will get you through any hard workout.”
Anna: “I have several! These are all for running/ sprints. When one of these songs come on while running my speed immediately increases! And or classes/ hard workout or lifting, I second recommendation for “Remember the Name” and also like Boom by P.O.D.”
Brandon: “Beastie boys-sabotage. Fast tempo and chaotic, which helps me get through tough sets/exercises!”
Links to Our Playlist Faves:
Rage Against the Machine-Bulls on Parade
MUSIC RESOURCES
There are also some awesome online playlists you can pick from—whether you prefer Rock, Techno, Rap, Country or Pop.
Fitness Magazine: 100 Best Workout Songs
This link will get you literally DOZENS of playlists featuring HUNDREDS of the most popular workout songs ranging from Hip Hop, Power-Up, Dance, Motivating, Remixes…you name it!
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