For the most part everybody likes to go out on a nice jog threw Stanley or run down Western ave. But if your a serious runner there may be an important thing you need to brush up on......your music!!
A sports psychologist at Britain’s Brunel University, Costas Karageorghis, has been doing research on the effects of music and running and why its better to have a faster paced song rather then Beethoven. According to Kargeorghis, there are four factors that contribute to a song's motivational qualities: rhythm response, musicality, cultural impact and association.
The first two are known as "internal" factors as they relate to the music's structure while the second two are "external" factors that reflect how we interpret the music. Rhythm response is tied to the beats per minute (bpm) of the song and how well it matches either the cadence or the heartbeat of the runnner. A song's structure such as its melody and harmony contribute to its musicality. The external factors consider our musical background and the preferences we have for a certain genre of music and what we have learned to associate with certain songs and artists.
He has also helped design a half marathon in London that tries to find the perfect music mix of live bands based on his research of human reaction to rhythm.
For more info. you can check out the website for the marathon: http://www.runtothebeat.co.uk/music/free-album-download
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I think that this study is very interesting. Personaly I do not realy like to listen to music while I am running or working out, but I can understand the four components that may refelect differently on different individuals. A great example of this is a soundtrachk that migh be played during the pregame warmups at a football game. You tend to hear things like "eye of the tiger" and "in th air tonight". These songs have the perfect mix of rythyms and meaning which is why they are the most popular for cretian occasions.
ReplyDeleteThat is the coolest post I have read! I love music and feel like it is such an important aspect to exercise. I know that one day in when I have my own P.E. class it is going to be run by music. I want to do this to make it more fun and exciting for those students who do not like P.E. class as well as the fact that I agree with the motivational factors that are stated in this blog. It heightens the tempo and level of intensity of running or any exercise such as weight lifting or playing sports. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Stephanie and Jon, this blog is interesting because along with them I am interested in music and different variety that has different motivational factors. There are some songs out there i prefer over others when I'm working out, running, or playing ball, I def. agree with this blog. very well done...
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