It can fire you up for HIIT, calm your heart in savasana and even increase your endurance on a gruelling long-distance run, but did you know exercising to music is good for your emotional wellbeing, too? Music alone, even without exercise, is a powerful pill - it alleviates stress, anxiety and depression, and reduces fatigue - but add a workout to the mix and the right soundtrack can encourage positive psychological and psycho-physiological changes (think lower states of perceived exertion). So just how does music achieve these amazing results? As with so many things, it starts with your brain.
ALL IN THE MIND
When you're pounding the pavements, I feel the power ringing in your ears, you're not just getting a mental boost from the lyrics, a cascade of physiological changes is taking place in your body. First up, the auditory cortex is stimulated, the part of the brain associated with sound and which allows you to hear/ make sense of sound waves. 'Music also acts on your motor system in the cerebellum, deciphering rhythm and helping you perform rhythmic movements,' says Marianne Rizkallah, music therapist at North London Music Therapy (northlondonmusictherapy. com). After this, things start to get really interesting...
'Music activates the limbic system in the brain, which deals with our emotions and positively impacts memory,' says Rizkallah. Key components of this system - such as the amygdala (the emotional processing centre) and the hippocampus (which helps consolidate memories) - allow you to experience positive emotional responses to music which you can draw upon each time you tie-up your trainers. 'Music also acts on the prefrontal cortex, which regulates your thoughts, actions and emotions,' adds Rizkallah.
This story is from the April 2024 edition of Women's Fitness UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2024 edition of Women's Fitness UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Five ways to...Ease PMS symptoms
Five ways to...Ease PMS symptoms
Wrist Candy
Sarah Sellens tries the new Apple Watch Series 9, and discovers it has some really cool new features for cyclists
Ask the experts
Stay fit and well with this top advice from the Women's Fitness experts
Beat it!
We all know exercise makes us feel good, but listen to music as you work out and you'll double the mental health benefits
'YOGA IS VERY HELPFUL FOR NAVIGATING THROUGH LIFE'
Sadie Frost talks to Eve Boggenpoel about her love of Jivamukti, becoming a yoga teacher and hosting her first retreat on the Mediterranean island of Gozo
layer up!
A great top layer for the springtime, gilets will keep your core warm without the risk of overheating
LET'S GET STRONG TO RUN!
Athlete, personal trainer and co-founder of New Levels Coaching, Gemma Hillier-Moses shares her top moves for building strength to enhance running performance and prevent injuries
The latest ROAD RUNNERS
Find your fast feet on the roads with the newest supercushioned, speed-run and racing trainers
MY FIRST Marathon
Running coach Cory Wharton-Malcolm explores the mental and physical journey he experienced during his first marathon - and why it changed the course of his life forever
Ace A FITNESS RACE!
HYROX is the functional fitness event that's taking over the workout world. We reveal why its so popular and how to get started