Listening to your favourite music makes you want to dance and sing along, but did you know these tunes can also have a big impact when it comes to improving your exercise results?
Why?
Listening to music, can improve your performance by drawing your attention away from fatigue, meaning it’s easier to push through the pain and complete your final reps or laps of the netball court.
Sports scientists at Brunel University in the United Kingdom – a leading research centre on music for athleticism – revealed that music can reduce how hard you perceive you’re working out by 12% and improve your endurance by 15%.
Research links music with creating positive feelings. Listening to music you like, releases dopamine and serotonin in the brain that promotes increased happiness, putting you in a better mood for and during your workout.
Music is also used as a key tool in preparing for competitions, through improving an athlete’s level of focus and concentration before the big event. Before Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps dives off the block, he listens to music that motivates him and that has lyrics he can relate to. Studies reveal that music you know well and connect with can regulate emotions before a sporting event.
Four Adelaide Thunderbirds players have shared what music inspires and motivates them before a training session or game. To listen to their chosen tunes, click here for the Spotify playlist.
Cody Lange
Intro – The XX
‘Probably my fav pre-game tune that gets me in the zone and keeps me calm.’
Inner Bloom (What So Not Remix) – Rufus du Sol
‘A bit more of an upbeat song to pump me up for a game.’
The Show Goes On – Lupe Fiasco
‘One of my old favourites to listen to before a game.’
Give Me A Try – The Wombats
‘This is a good gym song.’
G.A.L. – Touch Sensitive
‘Another tune to get the good vibes flowing.’
Stronger – Kanye West
‘Who doesn’t love a bit of Kanye in the gym?’
Sasha Glasgow
Simple Things – Miguel
‘I love this song. I love guitar and a good sing along, just one of the songs to get the lungs prepared for a big match.’
Bootleg Rascal – Sticky Fingers
‘This reminds me of one of my best friends, Josie. Before a game it’s nice to think of all the good memories and the support I have.’
Luna – Bombay Bicycle Club
‘An absolute track. I love their sound and it reminds me of the many good things in my life.’
The Heart is a Muscle – Gang of Youths
‘This song reminds me of my family and the sacrifices we all made to get me to where I am, and I am that grateful. Plus, who doesn’t love Gang of Youths?!’
Flow – Crooked Colours
‘I listened to a few of their interviews describing the song’s meaning as “upheaval and uncertainty, but through dealing with it, finding a strength about yourself you didn’t realise you had”, which I resonate with and found pretty sweet, it’s all about what being an athlete is – finding that inner strength to be the best athlete and person.’
Somebody to Love Remix – Boogie Pimps
‘This is an oldie but a goodie, I love the beat and it gets me bouncing around. If I am feeling a little tired or flat before training, it’s always a good one to get the vibes going.’
I Feel Love – Bronski Beat
‘A blast from the past. The strange quirky sound that the band has, shows uniqueness and that’s what I want to bring on the court. I also love it because it reminds me of good times turning the song up to full volume and dancing in front of my family and friends.’
Beth Cobden
Bootylicious – Destiny’s Child
‘Motivation to get fit.’
Trick Me – Kelis
‘This one has a good beat.’
The New Workout Plan – Kayne West
‘It’s about working out, so it keeps me motivated.’
I See You Baby – Groove Armada
‘The perfect song for a bike session.’
Faith – George Michael
‘My favourite song.’
I’m In Love – Evelyn Champagne King
‘My other favourite song.’
Layla Guscoth
Sun Comes Up – Rudimental
‘Makes me think of happier, sunnier places than the gym.’
Finesse – Bruno Mars
‘This is upbeat and has a good rhythm to start busting out some dance moves.’
All Falls Down – Kayne West
‘One of my favourite albums and songs. I know all the words.’
No Problem – Chance The Rapper
‘Fun and energetic.’
Pop Ya Collar- Usher
‘An old school classic.’
Thursday (ft. H.E.R.), Jess Glynne
‘A song to sing along with.’
If You Ever- Nao
‘I love the beat.’
