For those among us who enjoy going to the gym or participating in any other type of physical exercise, many times we listen to or play music aloud. This may just be because we like to hear our favorite songs as we put that work in, but there is actually evidence that the music we listen to can have an effect on our physical performance.
Physical performance can be demonstrated in many ways, such as lifting heavier weights, higher motivation and energy for cardio, or more precise dancing. In my experience, I’ve noticed that music has a very strong effect on my weightlifting and running capabilities. The origin of the performance enhancing effects of music are the increase in excitatory neurotransmitters when music is playing (Franco-Alvarenga et al., 2019). The power of enjoyment is severely underrated, and music is one of the best ways to bring it out.
The neurotransmitters that play primary roles in enhancing physical performance are norepinephrine/adrenaline and dopamine. When we hear music we like we release a lot of dopamine, which is also known as the “happy hormone”, increasing our motivation. Dopamine works as a great motivator and activates reward mechanisms that reinforce behaviors (Marques et al., 2021). An increase in dopamine neurotransmission is also linked to the delay of fatigue during physical activity, which would make it easier to continue physical exercise for longer, which would aid more with cardio, along with the increase in motivation. The release of adrenaline in music is more tightly linked to the type of music; More upbeat music will likely cause an increased release of adrenaline in the body. I’m sure most people have heard that adrenaline can even help people lift cars in certain dire situations, and while that may be an exaggeration, it is true that adrenaline can create a strength booth when released (Courtice et al., 1939).
In a study conducted by Cutrufello et al. in 2019, they examined the cardiovascular and muscular capabilities of 15 college aged adults (18-25 y/o) with and without self-selected music. In the study, they tested muscular capacity with a bench press exercise by performing the maximum number of reps with 70% of the weight that the subjects determined was their One Rep Max (ORM). The results ended up being that without music the average reps produced was 38.3 with a margin of error (MOE) of 8.1 reps, compared to the performance with music (ample rest time was provided between sets) that had a mean of 41.7 reps with a MOE of 8.7. These results produced a p-value of 0.001, indicating a statistically significant result. Personally, I have had several experiences with benching, and I’ve realized that if I intend to hit a PR I need to have the right music on, or I will not perform as well. Before every set I always ensure that I have music that I thoroughly enjoy (likely an upbeat song) playing to ensure peak performance. This study also analyzed cardiovascular capabilities through post-cardio heart rate (HR) recovery rate. They had the participants complete the Wingate Anaerobic Test, and the results are similar to that of the Bench press. The HR recovery rate had a mean of 293.3 secs with an MOE of 22.3 secs without music, but the average was 256.2 secs with an MOE of 54.5 secs with music playing, indicating that HR recovery is quicker when listening to music. The p-value was 0.02, meaning that the cardiovascular results were also statistically significant. When I run, I think the reason that it seems easier when I play music is that it provides a distraction from the cardio, rather than actually increasing my recovery rate.
This is a picture I took while working out at the gym trying to hit a PR. Music is a big part of my exercise routine, so knowing that it can enhance my performance just gives me more of an excuse to keep listening at the gym.
Works Cited
Courtice, F. C., et al. “Adrenaline and Muscular Exercise.” Proceedings of the Royal Society of London. Series B – Biological Sciences, vol. 127, no. 848, 4 July 1939, pp. 288–297, https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.1939.0023. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
Cutrufello, Paul T., et al. “The Effect of Music on Anaerobic Exercise Performance and Muscular Endurance.” The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness, vol. 60, no. 3, Mar. 2020, https://doi.org/10.23736/s0022-4707.19.10228-9.
Franco-Alvarenga, Paulo Estevão, et al. “PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES of MUSIC on PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE: A CRITICAL REVIEW.” Revista Brasileira de Ciência E Movimento, vol. 27, no. 2, 12 June 2019, p. 218, https://doi.org/10.31501/rbcm.v27i2.9908.
Marques, Adilson, et al. “Bidirectional Association between Physical Activity and Dopamine across Adulthood—a Systematic Review.” Brain Sciences, vol. 11, no. 7, 23 June 2021, p. 829, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8301978/, https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci11070829.
This is so interesting! Upbeat music and increased adrenaline makes sense. I wonder about when we play sad music, because if dopamine is released and that’s the “happy hormone” how come we find comfort in music that is sad?? Like why do we play music that is sad and we find comforting instead of happy uplifting music?
This is extremely relatable to me! I find myself finding more energy and motivation when I do weights when playing fast bpm music such as rap and electronic music. However, I’m wondering if it also depends on a person’s preference and how that induces more dopamine within them. For example, my brother listens to slow paced classical music when working out which kind of contradicts the concept of upbeat music towards exercising.