Music and Weight Loss: What the Research Says

The idea that some good tunes can actually have an impact on your weight loss just may be music to your ears. But it’s more than just an idea—it has scientific backing. Several different studies have looked at the way in which music can impact everything, from the effectiveness of an exercise routine to one’s overall health. They all seem to point to the same fact—that music matters. Find out how music can help you reach your weight loss goals on your Nutrisystem journey.

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Music Helps You Burn More Calories

A lot of the research focuses on how music impacts one’s workout routine—and it’s quite encouraging. For instance, research published in the Journal of Exercise Physiology Online, demonstrates that people exercising with fast tempo music had a higher heart rate and increased respiratory rate—all of which adds up to more calories burned.

Good Tunes Makes Exercise Enjoyable

In addition to burning more calories, different research, out of Brunel University London, has revealed that music makes exercise more enjoyable. The results, which were published in the journal Psychology of Sport and Exercise, found that listening to music led to a 28 percent increase in enjoyment (compared to no auditory). This is important as music could inspire you to work out longer, leading to even more calories burned.

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Listening to Music Helps You Stick with Your Goals

Similarly, music can also help you stick to a program for the long-term. A study, from Fairleigh Dickinson University, found that listening to music while exercising helped participants adhere more closely to their workout regimen and lose more weight. According to MedicineNet, the 2005 study followed a group of overweight and obese women during a 24-week period of exercise. Half of the women listened to music of their choice. While all participants lost weight, weight loss was higher for the music listeners.

Moving to Music Helps Increase Your Happiness

If you’re someone who loves music (as most people do), then this is probably quite obvious to you—music makes you happy. Specifically, dancing to music has been shown to be a great way to boost your mood. A study, published in the International Journal of Neuroscience, showed that 12 weeks of dance sessions raised serotonin (the neurotransmitter contributing to feelings of happiness) and contributed to enhanced mood.

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Tips for Incorporating Music Into your Routine

There’s no question that music can have a positive impact on your workout routine and overall health. It is a great way to potentially increase results with your weight loss plan. We’ve rounded up a few important takeaways so that can use music to your benefit.

• Choose music that you like. Enhance your workout and get motivated by listening to your favorite tunes. Choose music that personally motivates you and remember that it is very subjective. While you might be inspired by “rock,” your friend might be inspired by “hip hop.” Headphones are certainly a wonderful creation!
• Create a playlist that fits your routine. Use music to boost your workout by coordinating it with the activity you’re doing. According to The Sport Journal, research displays that synchronizing your tunes with “repetitive exercise is associated with increased levels of work output.” For instance, a slow and steady beat might be more helpful for a weight-lifting session, while something with a faster tempo would be ideal for an aerobic workout. You might even consider which songs motivate you the most to tackle that hill on your run and which help you run at a faster pace on the straightaways.
• Do your musical homework in advance. As you gear up to incorporate more music into your routine, take some time to create playlists and maybe even venture outside of your typical line-up. Find songs that really inspire you and update your playlist accordingly. With some advanced preparation, you’ll be ready to make the most out of your workout!