We can all relate the workout boost we receive when a good song comes on our MP3 player or over the stereo at the gym.  Sometimes it’s hard to imagine a pre-MP3 player workout where most people had nothing to listen to while out running or in the pool.  I have to admit, that I’ve used forgetting my iPod as an occasional excuse to skip my run.  The inspiration we feel when our favorite songs come up is even supported by research, as there are studies showing up tempo music can make us move faster without noticing the extra work we are doing.  Some studies report a 15% increase in endurance in athletes who exercise to music.  According to one researcher, music is “like a legal drug for athletes.”

Whether or not you are exercising at high intensity, music certainly makes workouts enjoyable.  In our facilities and fitness classes, we focus on playing a variety of genres and styles of music.  A favorite discussion topic among UREC admin staff who teach fitness classes is what songs made that day’s playlist, which of those were fantastic, and which should never be played again (depending who you talk to).  Our music tastes are diverse, from metal enthusiasts to Beiberlievers (Editor’s note, questioning the true existence of Beiberlievers).  I’ve collected a list of the fitness staff’s current favorite power songs to boost your workout.  Enjoy!

Playlist: “Fast & Furious”

For more information about the power of music on your workout, check out this link on the American Council on Exercise website.

Try out some of our high energy fitness classes like TRX, Boot Camp, Tabata and Cycling this fall to hear songs listed and other great tunes – we also love to get music requests for our playlists and will accommodate all that we can.

Contributed by University Recreation Fitness Staff

Photo Courtesy ofVjeran Lisjak