Steve Hannan listens to indie music while he works out.
The political science senior has a different taste than the norm, but it’s what he enjoys when exercising at the University Recreation Center.
Hannan, like many students, uses music’s tempos and intensity to motivate him at the gym.
In a Jan. 10 New York Times article, Costas Karageorghis, associate professor of sport psychology at Brunel University in England, said “there is a science to choosing an effective exercise soundtrack.”
In the article, he explained the average beats-per-minute in songs varied depending on the type of workout, whether it is cardio or weightlifting.
The average beats-per-minute in music among those working out should be between 120 and 140, he said. This number correlates to the average heart rate of most people working out.
Karageorghis said “the best songs have both a high BPM count and a rhythm to which you can coordinate your movements.” This rules out any music with abrupt time changes such as jazz, he said.
Hannan said music shuts out the distractions of the gym.
“Sometimes when I’m jogging, and I don’t have [music], it can affect my workout,” he said.
Dorothy Jacobsen, kinesiology assistant professor, said she never listens to music while she works out. She tends to collect her thoughts.
“It’s a distraction,” she said. “I like to take in everything outside while I’m running.”
She thinks it’s a great thing to listen to music if it motivates people. She said portable MP3 players make this easier.
Some students said they don’t listen to music because the headphones get in the way of certain workout routines, or because they work out with a friend.
Kody Labarthe, management senior, said when he isn’t with a friend, he has his iPod on him.
“I listen to heavy rock or techno,” he said. “Things that get you going.”
When choosing music, Labarthe said he usually makes a playlist ahead of time and rolls with it.
Many guys lifting weights said they prefer classic rock, metal and hardcore rap. Many girls doing cardio said rock, rap and dance music is what they prefer.
Runners at the UREC said they just want something that keeps the pace.
“Guys and girls tend to find common ground with rap music,” said Glen Howie, finance senior.
He said he tends to listen to classic rock, which is a little lighter, but knows most guys like the heavier sound for weight lifting.
A student’s attitude when entering into the gym also has a lot to do with a student’s music choice, Howie said.
“People come in here to workout for different reasons,” he said.
Some students in the cardio section said they preferred watching television.
Alex Boudreaux, economics junior, said the beat and volume of his music drown out the sounds of the gym and keep him focused.
“When a slower song comes on shuffle, it does tend to ruin my pace,” he said.
—-Contact Adam Pfleider at [email protected]