Does Music Make a Difference for Your Workouts?

We all have that gym playlist that gets our mind right and the blood flowing. We feel like we become focused, stronger, and more powerful -- but does your gym playlist really have a psychological effect on you while you work out?

Does Your Gym Playlist Make a Difference?

According to researchers, music doesn't increase focus but makes our workouts more enjoyable. A study by Brunel University-London used electroencephalography technology to monitor a persons brain response to music while exercising compared to those with no music. Music had a 28 percent increase in enjoyment! Participants who listened to feel-good music had higher levels of serotonin, which is an important chemical that helps regulate mood, social behavior, sexual desire (now we're talking) and even more.

If music can help you with your mood, can a workout playlist increase your lifting performance? It's important to remember that different genres of music will have different effects. For example, cardio playlists should incorporate songs above 145 BPM to help increase the distance traveled, pace, and reps completed.

Studies have shown that rock playlists may cause a slight increase in power output. I listen to different music based on my workout routines. Heavy days REQUIRE metal and screaming; I just need to be angry. HIIT and cardio days I opt for fast-paced dance music to keep the rhythm in my stride. It's all about finding your favorite workout songs! Here are a few of our favorites:

The Lift Box Top 25 Military Songs

1) AC/DC - Thunderstruck

2) I Prevail - Hurricane

3) Beartooth - Disease

4) Motley Crue - Kickstart My Heart

5) Metallica - Fuel

6) Five Finger Death Punch-No One Gets Left Behind

7) Thrice-Image Of The Invisible

8) Bring Me the Horizon-Happy Song

9) Asking Alexandria-Alone In A Room

10) Korn-Coming Undone

11) Tool-Vicarious

12) Avenged Sevenfold-Hail To The King

13) Pantera-Walk

14) SlipKnot-Duality

15) Rob Zombie-Living Dead Girl

16) Parkway Drive-Crushed

17) Trivium-The Heart From Your Hate

18) Stone Sour-Absolute Zero

19) Marilyn Manson-The Beautiful People

20) Linkin Park-One Step Closer

21) Puddle Of Mudd-Control

22) Limp Bizkit-My Way

23) Palisades-Erase The Pain

24) Muse-Psycho

25) Fozzy-Painless