Studies have revealed that there is a link between high-tempo music and a higher heart rate. It also makes the runner feel as though they are using less effort. Research has shown that music has a specific effect on runners. Running is not a popular sport among punters on https://www.betway.co.za/Betgames but, it is an activity many people take on.
You will find that not all people use music as a motivator. Some probably use it as a distraction, particularly if they don’t enjoy running. On the other hand, you might have observed professional athletes listening to music just before a race.
The research
A research carried out in 2003 by three researchers (Atkinson, Wilson, and Eubank) showed that cyclists listening to high-tempo music cycled faster.
It was interesting to note that the difference came in the first few kilometers. The cyclists also perceived that they were cycling with less effort.
Music tempo
Studies have shown that faster music tends to motivate runners to push themselves to move faster. The studies showed that runners listening to fast-paced music picked a faster treadmill pace than those listening to slower music.
Whether you are running for training or the races that are listed on casinos like Betway, music can be a motivator. The tempo of the music also matters. High-tempo music tends to push runners to go faster and vice versa.
Is it the music itself or the motivation?
All factors point towards increased motivation as the primary performance-boosting effects of music. An experienced runner will tell you that motivation is a crucial driver of performance.
An individual runner suggested that it is much easier to run when it is sunny, and you are with a couple of training partners than when it is rainy, cold, and windy, and you are alone.
Fast-paced music is, therefore, a proven motivator for humans. Thus, studies in labs and on tracks for competitive races reveal that music is a motivator. The faster the music, the faster the runner tends to move.
Does music enhance performance during a race or just in training?
Initial studies have shown that music has a lesser effect on trained runners. But further discussions revealed that it was all down to motivation. During a race, a runner is likely to be more motivated than during training.
Some sports psychologists have argued using the inverted –U curve. In their argument, the peak of the inverted-U represents an ideally stimulated state. They suggest that when you are insufficiently motivated, you will not put in your best performance because you are under-stimulated.
On the other hand, when you are overstimulated, you become too anxious to perform. This is what is usually referred to as cracking under pressure.
Music will motivate you when you are taking part in a low excitement condition. For example, if you are training alone on the treadmill, music might motivate you to push yourself.
But, in the real race, the kind that attracts the attention of punters on Betway and other online casinos, the runner is already stimulated. Furthermore, most races disapprove of runners wearing any headphones.
Final thoughts
It is probably confirmed that there are benefits of music as a motivator and mood stimulator. Some other benefits are still under scrutiny, like helping to maintain a particular stride frequency or running intensity.