One thing that can motivate me even when I don’t feel like exercising is a rockin’ playlist. In fact, when I’m listening to music, I tend to move faster and work out longer. And it turns out that there’s science behind that: Studies have shown that listening to music during exercise can improve results and distract from fatigue. The key is choosing songs with the right tempo, according to Costas Karageorghis, an associate professor of sport psychology at Brunel University in England, whose research was profiled in the New York Times.
The most motivating songs have a tempo between 120 and 140 beats-per-minute, or B.P.M. Check out the ultimate walking playlist on Chatelaine Walks — it suggests songs for every pace, from strolling to speed-walking. And here are some of my favourites, found on the website Dj BPM Studio:
Warming-up: 90 BPM
Cream “White Room”
Sublime “Santeria”
Ramones “Judy Is A Punk”Going for a stroll: 115 BPM
Bangles “Manic Monday”
The Four Seasons “Sherry”
Neil Young “Helpless”Brisk speed: 130 BPM
Cyndi Lauper “I Drove All Night”
B-52s “Love Shack”
Elvis Presley “Return To Sender”Full-on power walk: 145 BPM
Queen “Crazy Little Thing Called Love”
The Beatles “Love Me Do”
The Cure “Boys Don’t Cry”From speed-walk to sprint: 155 BPM
The Police “Roxanne”
Elton John “Bad Side of the Moon”
Queen “Don’t Stop Me Now”
And head over to Chatelaine Walks for more motivation: instant mood-boosters, tips for revving up your walking routine, and how pets can improve your health.
