By Andrew Miller
The latest exercise-boosting hack isn’t a supplement, peptide, or new set of equipment.
It costs nearly nothing. In fact, you may be doing it already.
So, what’s the latest game changer that’s linked to a 20% boost in endurance? A good playlist.
New research from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland shows that cyclists who picked their own music lasted nearly 6 minutes longer than those who pedalled in silence.
While both groups finished with the same heart-rate and lactate levels, those listening to music burned more energy. Music doesn’t change what your body is doing. It changes what your brain notices. The rhythm drowns out fatigue signals, keeping you in the zone longer.
Most tracks in the study fell within a range of 120-140 beats per minute. That’s consistent with the tempo of most pop, house, and rock music.
For reference, here’s a list of the most common genres and their typical BPM ranges:
| Genre | Typical BPM Range |
| Hip-hop | 70-100 |
| R&B | 60-100 |
| Pop | 100-130 |
| House | 120-130 |
| Dubstep | 138-142 |
| Rock | 110-140 |
| Country | 90-130 |
| Jazz | 60-300 |
| Classical | 40-200 |
You can see the full chart here. For a more detailed database by song and artist, check this out.
Picking a favorite album or making a playlist can help you stick with an exercise routine. Your mind stays focused on the melody, while your body handles the rest.
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