RUNNING

RUNNING WITH MUSIC

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Running with music could be beneficial for some individuals. Several factors play into the benefit of running with music, including music type preference, and tempo of the music. The psychophysical effects of music in sport and exercise: A review, expressed that listening to music was more beneficial to novice runners than to runners with experience. The results from the experiment showed that a selection of appropriate music to accompany sports or exercise most likely enhances adherence levels and enjoyment. However, there are numerous factors that influence the reactions to music and leave it unclear of the actual cause (Karageorghis, et al. 1997). 

Individuals enduring high intensity running may receive benefits by listening to music, it may not increase their ability to sustain their effort longer than running without music (Tenenbaum et al. 2004). The participants in the study reported that they felt the music helped motivate them in the beginning. Motivation can play a huge part in one’s ability to run. A lot of people struggle with gaining the motivation and confidence to run, so if you listen to music that you enjoy, you may be more excited to begin your run. It may also keep you motivated throughout your run, until you finish. Some of us just need an extra boost to get started.

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RUNNING WITHOUT MUSIC

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Running without music may be a better choice for you. Some people who run with music become distracted by the words or tempo. Some people have an improved performance of running without music, because they can focus on their breathing or cadence.  If the music is not at your preferred pace it may slow you down depending on the beat and tempo of the music. The effect of music type on running perseverance and coping with effort sensations, found that it may not increase your ability to sustain your effort longer than running without music. Runners listening to music did not have a significant impact on endurance running (Tenenbaum) et al. 2004). However, if you are listening to music that you do not enjoy it will most likely not help your performance of running and may slow you down. Some people may choose not to listen to music while running, because you need a music player whether it be your phone or an iPod. Then you need to have a speaker or head phones and some people don’t like the chord or the fact they have to hold their phone or use an armband. So, you may feel more free when you don’t have to hassle with running with music and trying to create a perfect play list.

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OVERALL

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It is not one size fits all. It all boils down to individual preference. You will have to experiment either running with or without and see what works best for you. Whether you are running for stamina or for speed, you can try seeing your results depending on what types of music you listen to. In the end you need to do what is most comfortable for you. If you prefer listening to music while you run because you feel it motivates you or helps you to run, you should use it as a tool to aid you. Also, if you feel that you run better without running with music then you should stick with what works best, just remember it doesn’t hurt to try to experiment around with it.