Dr Costas Karageorghis
Leading sports psychologist Dr Costas Karageorghis from Brunel University in London has explored the notion that certain music can maximise the effect of a strong workout regime, and his objective expert commentary has been shared with Deezer.
At a time where we're all feeling those extra pounds because of the festive spirit that has now truly gone and left us with holiday blues, people are more determined than ever to get into the gym and work on getting themselves the body they truly want.
Research conducted around the topic discussed has come to the conclusion that "For maximum impact, the tempo and rhythmic pattern need to be targeted towards your movement rate and activity pattern."
So, for example, someone in a high intensity phase would need "faster music for when you are training at a high intensity. Dance music of 130-140 bpm (beats per minute) is ideal for very intense excercise."
A good workout playlist should include "pleasing" melodies and harmonies that improve the mood of the person exercising, "typically in a major key.", and the research found that music including "inspiring imagery" or "strong personal associations" also prove more effective.
Lyrics can also provide a supplement, with "positive affirmations" of exercise, such as "push it" or "work your body" proving to work a treat.
Weight lifting should be done while listening to fast, rhythmic, percussive or bass-driven tunes, while tracks in the tempo range of 125-140 bpm are "ideal" for those who may be jogging, cycling or rowing.
Leading sports psychologist Dr Costas Karageorghis - Inside Sport Psychology (Human Kinetics, 2011) - shared this research with Deezer. An ultimate workout playlist has been created to amp up your fitness and performance: http://www.deezer.com/playlist/742995575