Listening to the wrong kind of music in the gym could be holding you back.
Whether your routine revolves around weight training, HIIT or yoga, your gym music playlist impacts greatly on how beneficial the session is.
After all, you only get out what you put in.
Analysis of user data from Fitbit and music streaming service Deezer has shown a direct link between track tempo and energy output. Higher tempo music has been shown to boost higher energy workouts.
To help you get the most out of your workouts, Deezer’s Fitbit playlist editor, Robin Vincent, has provided a handy guide to the optimum track BPM. Vincent has also outlined example tracks for every type of workout – even those aimed at promoting recovery and relaxation.
Jogging: 140 bpm
Example songs:
- The Killers – ‘Somebody Told Me’ (138 BPM)
- Coldplay – ‘Viva la Vida’ (140 BPM)
Brisk run: 145 bpm
Example songs:
- Bruno Mars – ‘Locked Out Of Heaven’ (144 BPM)
- Elton John – ‘Tiny Dancer’ (145 BPM)
Sprinting: 170 – 180 bpm
Example songs:
- Rihanna – ‘Rude Boy’ (174 BPM)
- Queen – ‘Breakthrough’ (180 BPM)
HIIT training: 125 bpm
Example songs:
- Bon Jovi – ‘Livin’ on a Prayer’ (123 BPM)
- Shania Twain – ‘Man, I Feel Like a Woman’ (125 BPM)
Yoga / Pilates: 103 bpm
Example songs:
- Moby – ‘Natural Blues’ (108 BPM)
- U2 – ‘Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For’ (101 BPM)
Weight training: 170 bpm
Example songs:
- MIA – ‘Paper Planes’ (172 BPM)
- Foo Fighters – ‘The Pretender’ (173 BPM)
Sleeping: 60-80 bpm (to replicate the individual’s resting heart rate)
Example songs:
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart – ‘2. Andante’ (67 BPM)
- Bon Iver – ‘Skinny Love’ (76 BPM)
There’s nothing wrong with some classical music – just don’t expect to put up a bench press PB with Beethoven spotting you.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
