New research reveals how music can transform exercise from a chore to a joyful habit
Research by the Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain (CoE MMBB) shows that music has real benefits for exercisers. Music shifts focus away from physical discomfort, making exercise feel easier at low-to-moderate intensities. Studies show that motivational music can reduce perceived exertion by up to 10%, enabling people to sustain activity longer. Recent research highlights that music used with exercise significantly improves focus and self-control, particularly at moderate intensities, by distracting from feelings of fatigue.
Matching movement to music’s beat can help people move more efficiently. Faster-tempo music (120–140 BPM) is particularly effective for improving endurance in both aerobic and strength-based activities.
Your favourite music makes you work out at a higher intensity
A study found that individuals who exercised while listening to their preferred music worked at a higher intensity while still maintaining a ‘good’ feeling. Furthermore, they recalled their workout as significantly more pleasurable than those who exercised without music. This aspect of pleasure aligns with findings that self-paced walking increases feelings of energy and pleasure, suggesting that combining music with enjoyable physical activities can help people stick with exercise.
“Music also boosts mood and reduces anxiety, turning a workout from a chore into an enjoyable experience. Self-selected music, in particular, has been shown to enhance pleasurable responses during exercise”, researcher Andrew Danso explains.
Using music in low-intensity activities helps build consistent exercise habits
Music enhances endurance, increases mood, and makes exercise more enjoyable. However, simply telling people to move more is not enough. Effective strategies must make exercise fun and create environments that support physical activity. When combined with accessible activities like walking—already proven to improve energy and consistency—music becomes a simple yet powerful tool for increasing movement.
“By reframing exercise as a pleasurable experience rather than an obligation, we can drive lasting behaviour change and make physical activity something people genuinely want to do”, Danso comments.
References
The articles are published as preprint versions in MedRxiv:
- Danso, A., Vigl, J., Koehler, F., Knittle, K., Bamford, J. S., Nijhuis, P., ... & Luck, G. (2025). Does Music Support Cognitive Control and Affective Responses During Acute Exercise? An Exploratory Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. medRxiv, 2025-01.
-
Danso, A., Kekäläinen, T., Koehler, F., Knittle, K., Nijhuis, P., Burunat, I., ... & Luck, G. (2024). Personalised interactive music systems for physical activity and exercise: A systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis. medRxiv, 2024-05.
See also: Danso, A. (2025, February 3).
