Music and sports: Why they are more interlinked than you might think
Nowadays, everyone seems to have an in-ear contraption at the gym to help them power through each session. Even while working out at home or going for a run, music seems to be a common inclination for many of us. So it’s almost as if music is crucial to the continuity of physical activity and sports in general.
Music and sports are akin to the complementary relationship between sports and sports betting. While both sectors maintain a semblance of independence, they are both necessary for the continuity of the other.
There’s also a correlation in how both sports betting and music factor into sports. Like with music, where users get to choose what they listen to, players also choose where and how they stake on sports. The same way one could search for playlists online or create one of their own, players could also find the best sportsbook in the US, for instance, and go on from there. In both cases, the power of choice rests with the user. However, whatever choice they make impacts their interaction with sports.
But why is this the case?
Studies
Studies show that listening to music impacts sports performance, apart from the common instances around us. Not only does it help with physical activity, but it also plays a key role in the build-up to the game and after-hours of sporting activities. For example, a 2007 study revealed that athletes who warmed up with music experienced a higher heart rate than when they tried with no music. The athletes who listened to music also showed higher anaerobic prowess after warming up, indicating their improved capacity for quick, strong, and energetic actions.
Further studies posit that music may also help with post-workout recovery. In this research, athletes who engaged in intense workouts with music experienced lower exertion levels, improved reduction in the concentration of blood lactate, and voluntary physical activity. However, their counterparts who exercised without music failed to match these improvements.
Why the Connection Works
Music shares close ties with sports for a handful of reasons, but we’ll focus on two primary ones:
Stimulation
Music has a strong effect on mood and can help improve positivity and happiness levels in people. If you know anything about sports, you’d understand that staying positive and maintaining confidence makes all the difference in whether you win. By introducing music into your pre-game workout, your heart rate would be up, your nerves much calmer, and you won’t have to build up your performance from zero.
Performance
Experts suggest that a good playlist during physical activity helps lower the impact on fatigue by as much as 10% by distracting the brain from the repetitive cycle of gym workouts. Doing so also improves the effectiveness of your routine. For example, if you’re part of a sports team, it could help to listen to some music to improve performance.
In conclusion, the effects of listening to music during sporting activities are innumerate and good. What’s more, you get to enjoy the activity a little better. Music also supports you on an emotional level. For instance, motivational music could help you find the inner strength to beat the odds.
