With the end of the school year rapidly approaching, exercise, specifically running, is a great way to take your mind off school work and stay in shape. While you may prefer to run without listening to music, it has been shown that doing so is not just for pleasure but also helps you become a better runner. 

According to a study done by Keele University in England, playing music while running reduces exertion levels, while also increasing your ability to focus. In addition, a 2020 study conducted by Frontiers in Psychology found listening to fast-paced music reduces the perceived effort of endurance. Essentially, you feel less out of breath when the music you listen to has a higher speed. 

Listening to music while you run can also help you keep a steady pace. A study published in PLOS One (Public Library of Science) showed that runners performed better when the beat of the music matched their pace than when they ran without music. Keeping a consistent pace is a crucial aspect of running, as it prevents you from running out of energy early on in the run. 

Not only does music help you while you run, but it can also help you get amped up before the run. Sports psychologist Costas Karageorghis believes that “music elevates positive aspects of mood such as excitement and happiness and reduces negative aspects such as tension, fatigue and confusion.” 

In a world where no one can agree on anything anymore, music seems to be the one entity that is close to being unanimously enjoyed and it is a great addition to your morning or evening run. Not only is it great to listen to, but it has been proven to improve your performance and will pay off in the long run, pun intended. So the next time you put on your running shoes, grab your phone, go on Spotify and search for a “running playlist” to find some good songs to listen to.