Music Enhances your Swim Spa Workout

Maybe it has to do with that whole Rocky training montage that we all know and love, but people always seem to associate an intense workout with music. Well, it turns out that research backs up that association and for good reason. Music really can enhance your workout. Back in 1911, Leonard Ayres discovered that cyclists pedaled faster when they listened to music than they did when they were pedaling in the quiet. Since then we have discovered that the same concept applies to many different types of exercise including swimming.  

Music Distracts

When you are swimming, you can’t participate in some of the mental distractions that are available to other athletes. It is just you and the water, so listening to music while you swim is a great way to distract your mind. Your body is such an incredible machine. It knows how to recognize signs of physical exertion and begins signaling your body to stop when it thinks you’ve had enough. This safeguard is great for keeping you from pushing yourself too hard, but it can also hold you back from pushing yourself as far as you could. Listening to music helps to override this brain function in a sense. When you listen to music there is competition in your brain for what is taking up conscious thought. When you workout without music your conscious thought is totally focused on how hard you are working and when it is too much. As music plays though, your conscious thought splits between, “I’m working hard” and “Man, this is a great song.” Because your brain is not as focused on how hard it is working you can push yourself further.

Music also creates strong emotions and feelings within people. If your playlist is packed with music that makes you feel happy and energized you are far more likely to push through a difficult workout than you would if you are totally focused on how hard you are working.

Sets Rhythm and Pace

Swimming is one form of exercise where rhythm and pace are extremely important. As you swim you want to be sure that you are keeping up and not falling into a slower swim. When you are swimming in lanes with other people you can use those people to help you keep pace, but when you are swimming solo in your swim spa you need a way to know that you are maintaining your desired pace; music is the perfect way to accomplish this. Research shows that most people have a natural tendency to match their body movement with the rhythm of the song they are hearing. This natural tendency can be utilized in your workout. Fill your playlist with songs that have 145 beats per minute or more and you will know that your body is moving at a pretty good pace. If you want to move faster or workout harder, up the beats per minute. For example, 180 beats per minute can set a runner up for a 7-minute mile, a swimmer can use the same concept in their sport. It is a great way to make sure that you are staying on track with your goals.

Elevates Your Mood

We touched on it earlier, but music strongly affects people’s mood. When you workout your body burns cortisol which makes you healthier and happier. When you listen to music certain emotions are stimulated through your brain circuits to make you happier. The combination of working out and listening to music is like a super combo putting your body in a much happier and healthier state. You can workout harder and longer and enjoy your workout more than you ever have before.

If you are now convinced that music is a necessary part of your swim spa workout, stop by our showroom and check out our Bluetooth speaker options for our Endless Pools swim spas. It can really take your swim routine to a whole new level of fitness.

 

LIMELIGHT OWNER'S MANUALS

The 2019 Limelight Collection Owner’s Manual will help you understand your spa’s features, and answer questions you might have regarding spa operation, water care, and maintenance. There is also a troubleshooting section included for your convenience.  

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