Is it better to workout with music or not?

Should You Workout With Music?

Turn on the right track, and suddenly that last mile doesn’t feel quite so grueling. It turns out there’s real science behind why music makes workouts feel easier. According to Costas Karageorghis, an associate professor of sports psychology at Brunel University in England, syncing your movements to a beat can actually boost your physical efficiency.

When you move in rhythm with music, your body seems to use energy more effectively. That means you can push harder without feeling the burn as quickly. Karageorghis notes that the sweet spot for workout tunes is between 120 and 140 beats per minute (BPM). This tempo range matches the natural rhythm of most moderate to intense exercise—think steady running, cycling, or brisk walking. At this pace, music doesn’t just distract you from fatigue; it helps regulate your movements, almost like an internal metronome.

Of course, not every workout may benefit from headphones. Complex movements or exercises requiring intense focus—like heavy lifting or technical training—might be better done in silence. But for most cardio and endurance activities, music isn’t just motivation. It’s a performance enhancer.

The next time you hit the gym or the pavement, consider curating a playlist in that 120–140 BPM range. You might find yourself going further, faster, and with less effort—thanks to a little rhythm.