Music for running is the best ally when undertaking physical training. In addition to the sports disciplines of which it is inevitably part (such as Zumba and other variants of aerobic sessions combined with dance), in others it works as an indispensable complement for many athletes.
Despite its widespread use, music to run with headphones in the ears, in a kind of introspection or isolation from surroundings, is an activity that arouses opinions against it.
There are those who assure that the use of music for running, in addition to being "amateurs", is a practice that in itself represents an offense against the sport itself.
Benefits of running to music
The voices in favor of use harmonies and rhythms When undertaking the running activity, they point out the following benefits:
- Music for running promotes effort in athletes, in addition to serving as an impetus to constantly improve times.
- Fast paces can modify your stride. Thanks to a natural inclination in the unconscious of individuals, certain music can lead to an increase in the number of steps per minute. It will seek to balance the speed of the march with the musical beat.
- It serves to avoid tiredness and impulses to surrender.
- Avoid feelings of loneliness and create a feeling of company.
- Not just for running. It is shown that music is an infallible vehicle to increase concentration, before and during physical activity.
- Especially on long rides, avoid monotony and boredom.
Arguments of those who are against
The critics about wearing headphones during running activity, use the following arguments:
- Isolates athletes of the environment.
- It hinders the enjoyment of natural elements like the sound of the sea or the chirping of birds. In the event that it is practiced in natural settings, far from urban centers.
- In some cases, it can become a focus of distraction.
- Frantic musical rhythms can lead to increases in heart rate.
- Generates dependency. There are even verifiable cases of people who are not able to go out for a run, if they do not have a portable music player.
- It can be potentially dangerous. Running music can distract the athlete from risk factors, such as pedestrians, bicyclists, or motor vehicles.
Running music: some options
In any case, it is about finding a balance when using music as a complement and also as a stimulus, when undertaking a running training. But avoiding states of dependence or isolation from the environment where physical activity is practiced.
It is important to remember things that are not healthy for the human hearing system. An example is placing music that is listened to through headphones directly over the ears, at too high decibels.
Some specialists point out, both for health reasons and for personal safety, that the ideal volume level It is the one that allows you to fully enjoy all the sounds emitted by the player (treble, bass, vibrations, etc.). On the other hand, those who wear hearing aids must be able to seamlessly follow a conversation with someone close to you.
Linkin Park, Soundgarden, Blink 182 and other “Nu Metal” bands
The alternative rock of the 90s opened its doors with force within the music markets. It also became frequent as a companion to sports activities. Nirvana, Pearl Jam and even true "classics" like The Beattles, The Rolling Stones, Queen or The Doors, became part of the soundtracks of football or basketball games.
With the development of small music playersIn addition to “push-button” headphones, rock bands soon settled in the ears of runners.
In the end, by Linkin Park, is an essential piece in the playlists of many running lovers. This song has the peculiarity of increasing the rhythm of the strides, thanks to its tempo.
Urban rhythms of the Caribbean
Caribbean music is loaded with rhythms that inevitably invite dance. Salsa, mambo or Dominican merengue are not only made to dance. Now they are an indispensable part of aerobic routines designed for physical training.
With the irruption of Reggaetón, the king of the new Latin urban genres, it also found its way into the ears of those who use music for running. Among the examples we can cite:
- Luis Fonsi with Daddy Yankee and Slowly.
- Maluma with his Happy the 4 .
- Balvin and My people.
- Kuduro dance by Don Omar.
- Petrol by Daddy Yankee.
- Sexy move by Wisin y Yandel.
- You're in my head by Chino and Nacho.
Reggae: another Caribbean classic
There are few genres that contain the essence of the sun and the sea like reggae. In addition to being highly relaxing.
For those who for training dispense with frenetic rhythms and opt for a more leisurely tempo, Bob Marley classics are the natural choice.
In addition, the also Jamaican Usain Bolt, the fastest man on the face of the earth, has included “Mr. Music ”within your essential playlist when training.
Playlists on YouTube
In the music social network owned by Google, there are the most varied options and recommendations, to accompany the training sessions with music.
Channels like Livebetter or Running Music offer tracks over an hour long, made especially for running.
Some beats based on techno house and other variants of electronic music, make up the backbone of these selections. They also include mixed versions of old classics from bands like The Police or Bee Gees.
For those who are not sure about what music could make up their own running soundtrack, you can also find on YouTube review the lists that users around the world have made to accompany your training hours.
In these lists they can listen to themes on the table:
- I'm an Albatraoz scored by Aron Chupa.
- Summer by Calvin Harris.
- one more night by Maroon 5.
- Uptown funk by Mark Ronson with Bruno Mars.
- Counting stars by One Republic
In any of these cases, what is really important is the will to maintain physical shape. Half an hour of walking or jogging a day is enough for this.
Image sources: Running with music / Runners / Axpe Consulting Athletics Club