I am not sure how long I plan to make this list yet but my priority is to explain my history with the song and why I enjoy running to it. I understand your personal taste in workout music may be entirely different, but that’s what writing your own list is for. A nice melody helps me to better zone out, so I can focus specifically on the runner’s high and moving forward. A good rhythm works wonders for setting a pace for the run and I often find myself trying to step to the beat. I listen to a wide variety of music–but I’d say two attributes I look for most in my workout music is rhythm and melody.
This can make a huge difference in your mental focus, allowing your mind to relax and providing a remedial stream of motivation to tap into. In my personal experience, no matter it aerobic or anaerobic exercises, listening to music provides an almost meditative experience that improves my ability to focus away from physical distress. Whether it be a pre-game pep song or just jamming out in the gym, these carefully picked tracks can motivate, inspire, and prepare us for the task at hand. Most research has shown no inclusive data on music itself increasing performance, but the argument can always be established that music aids your training ability, therefore benefiting our training in the grand scope. I am sure there are a few runners who prefer the silent peace-of-mind run, but for others(including myself), listening to certain songs can produce a state of euphoria, vastly improving ones focus and motivation. In unison–the enjoyment from these hobbies is greatly magnified, and I can strongly concur my appreciation for both has grown due to one another. I have enjoyed running for well over a decade of my life now and have listened to music for even longer. My Definitive List of Favorite Songs For Distance Running 4th of July Navy run