More often than not, you probably have some form of music playing while you work out. Whether it’s your Spotify Wrapped on repeat, a playlist made by your instructor, or your own personalized mix of exercise hits, music is a game changer when it comes to exercise. But what if we told you it also helps improve your workouts?
“From a scientific perspective, music can elicit several emotions, from motivation to calmness,” explains therapist Jessica Thomas, LMHC, founder and clinical director of MyMindset NYC Counseling Services. “Depending on the type of music you’re listening to, you can train your brain to work harder at the gym, calm your heart rate down, energize you, and much more.”
More recently, there has been a surge in research surrounding the connection between mindset and music, particularly how the music you listen to before your exercise session can help you work out harder and smarter—almost as much as the music played during the workout itself. Here’s everything you need to know.
How Music Improves Your Workout
Music has the power to enhance your mindset in various ways, influencing your workout performance. Research indicates that during any athletic endeavor, music—whether it is to your taste or not—has been shown to consistently improve performance through increased muscle activation, faster speed, improved concentration, and even calming your heart rate.
“Music has many components, and each one is equally important,” says group fitness coach Akin Akman, CEO and co-founder of New York City-based fitness studio AARMY. “In group fitness, you need to focus on rhythm, speed, and timing when crafting an experience. The music is state-shifting and induces emotion, putting you in a mental space to implement new patterns and moves, which is where I step in.”
Music can affect both your mind and body in ways that significantly enhance your performance. Notably, it can achieve this effect both during workouts and even when you’re not exercising.
“There’s a reason why calming music is played in doctors’ waiting rooms to alleviate patient anxiety,” explains New York City-based sports psychologist Thomas Ferraro, PhD. “Likewise, music prior to a workout can settle you enough to focus, while it motivates you and energizes your muscles during the workout. The impact really depends on the type of music and when it is played.”
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Why You Need a Pre-Workout Playlist
“Preparing yourself to perform before working out is almost as important as the workout itself,” says Andy Stern, co-creator and vice president of global talent and programming at Rumble Boxing. “Being in the right mental state can help you establish that essential mind-muscle connection, ensuring you focus on the workout rather than the distractions in your life.”
If your mind is preoccupied while exercising, it’s easy to lose your edge: You might slow down your sprint, neglect to engage your core on a challenging Pilates move, or even risk injury from improper form. However, a carefully curated pre-workout playlist can mentally prepare you and ensure you’re in the right mindset to concentrate.
In fact, a small 2018 study involving soccer players found that those who listened to music before exercising increased their focus and motivation on the field, leading to improved performance overall.
“This demonstrates that music isn’t merely background noise; it is a strategic element of mental preparation,” states Thomas. “Selecting the right music prior to your workout can shape your mindset by connecting with brain circuits that manage emotions and focus. This way, you can better process difficult feelings, leading to enhanced concentration in the gym or on the field. Music serves as a valuable tool for athletes and anyone looking to enhance their workout effectiveness.”
“Getting yourself into a state to perform pre-workout is almost as important as the workout itself.” —Andy Stern, co-creator of Rumble Boxing
The Best Type of Music for Your Pre-Workout Playlist
The main distinction between your workout playlist and a pre-workout playlist lies in tempo: while the workout playlist features faster-paced tracks focused on BPM for pacing and a strong rhythm, pre-workout playlists are more subdued, prioritizing crescendo tones to set the mood and mentally prepare you for the task at hand.
Depending on your preferences, your pre-workout songs might feature lyrics or be purely instrumental, but according to Akman, the key is the ritual of it—these tunes can effectively prime your mind for productivity.
His favorite pre-workout music is rich in emotion. “Think cinematic orchestral music,” he suggests, which has been shown to be an impactful tool for concentration.
The Perfect Pre-Workout Playlist
Assembling a pre-workout playlist is just as crucial as knowing which songs to include. That’s why Akman has crafted the ultimate pre-workout playlist to get you in the zone.
Each song listed below incorporates longer crescendos and repetitive beats for enhanced focus, while some include lyrics that won’t be distracting. “These tracks will help you enter a productive zone, allowing you to implement new patterns and condition your mind and body for the upcoming workout,” Akman says.
Here are the six best songs to play on repeat before your next workout:
- “Time” by Hans Zimmer
- “Seek Your Truth (A Vitória)” by MEDUZA, Ayrton Senna
- “You” by BUNT., Oaks
- “Drums of Death” by FKA twigs, Koreless
- “Falling (D’Opera)” by ROYA
- “Risk It All (feat. Maverick Sabre)” by SHY FX
