We all have our ‘down’ days when we just don’t have the motivation or energy to have a great workout. To make things worse, your gym plays the same song you heard one year ago when you first joined. Sounds familiar?
I’ve always believed in the power of music. Music is a very powerful tool that can change the state of our mind almost instantly. Think of the time when you heard an old song that would instantly bring you down memory lane. Or imagine a really dramatic scene in a movie like “Lord of the Rings” when Aragorn gives his amazing speech before his army goes into battle. Or imagine watching Rambo finally getting his revenge with the enemy - Now imagine those scenes without the background music - I guarantee you that it will not have the same power!
Listening to intense music before and during workouts can take your intensity level up a few notches and give you a much more productive and explosive workout. If you’ve even been to a Bodypump, Bodyjam, Body Combat or RPM class, notice how they use music to form the ’structure’ of the class, and they also change the songs often so that you don’t get sick of it. So, are you convinced now?
Of course, it is essential that you listen to music that works for you. Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On” WILL NOT help you curl that 40lb dumbbell!
To help you get an idea, some of the songs that work for me are the following:
#Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
#Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone (Top Gun soundtrack)
#Bonnie Tyler - Holding out for a Hero (Short Circuit 2 soundtrack)
#Aaliyah - Try Again (Romeo Must Die soundtrack)
You can easily carry your favourite songs with you with a portable MP3 player. And since you’ll be using it for your workout, you’ll want one that can be strapped firmly onto your arm with an armband (the ones that hang around your neck and swing all over can be hazardous when you’re working with weights & machines).
With this being said - I’m actually off right now to the MidValley shopping centre to get myself a suitable MP3 player right now . Stay tuned people!
UPDATE: Check out my review on the Nike+ Experience and the iPod Sports Kit
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
I dun get it.. I thought FF has a radio thingie where u can just plug in your headphones no? anyhow TF has none… but I doubt I need that music so much.. half the time into my work out any music sounds pumped HAha
Steve, you are referring to the ‘Cardio Theatre’ device found at Fitness First which are attached to the cardio machines. But you’re pretty much stuck with whats showing on TV. If MTV decides to air their Indonesian Hits when you’re doing your cardio.. there goes your workout!
With an MP3 player, you get to take your own selection of music everywhere you go in the gym, especially the free weights area.
I don’t really use music … I tend to go when something like CSI or Oprah is showing. One hour cardio workout confirmed!
:D
I started my 1st day at the gym yesterday. Took up yogarobics. The trainer put me on the treadmill for 20 mins and it makes my injured knee feel numb. I can’t hardly feel my right legs afterwards. Then it goes to yogarobics. Man, it was tough. But lucky the sound of musics gets me going. I think I wanna ask for your help too. Maybe, we can talk online in yahoo or sumthin. By the way, great tips on eggs. I love eggs too :)
snow|e: If it hurts.. you gotta stop. The treadmills/cardio machines I’ve used all have warning labels that ask you to stop immediately if you experience pain or breathing difficulties. And for good reason too - because they can worsen your injury.
Most treadmills have some cushioning in them that make them a better option when compared to running on the ground. However, some treadmills can be pretty nasty on your knee. I actually have a knee problem too which haunts me until today.
Did you tell your trainer that you’ve got an injured knee? I wouldnt recommend you straining your knee like that. You might want to work on some knee strengthening exercises, etc before you go all out once again. Mail me at methoxyfactor[at]gmail.com and we can agree on a time to chat online. Take care of your knee. :)
Yeah…Juz want to know what brand mp3 and what model are u using…hei i also want to chat with u on9!I had mailed u juz now..hope u can reply me asap..thanks!!!
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