Multiple studies have shown that music is especially influential during most kinds of physical activity. Whether you are taking a casual stroll in the neighborhood, running around the park, or cleaning house, listening to music can make your workout feel easier and encourage you to work harder without making you feel like you are.

More specifically, music that is synchronized with your exercise is shown to have beneficial physical and psychological effects. Exercise to the strong, steady beat of the music instead of watching the clock. You will be amazed at how time flies and how much more exercise you can get.

Studies have shown that there are also psychological benefits. This psychological effect can be seen by physical changes in hormone levels. For example, one study showed that participants who listened to music they deemed “pleasing” had higher levels of serotonin, known as the “feel-good” hormone. Although difficult to prove the effects, this study suggests that the pleasurable experience of listening to a song can result in an increase in serotonin levels, which can put you in a better mood for your workout.

So, crank up the jams, put on some headphones or earbuds and get moving to the music. (Boomer tip: listen to Olivia Newton John's 'Let's get physical' to really set the tone if you must.)

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