If you’ve ever wondered why a gym plays music so loud in its workout classes, you’re not alone. Most instructors and gym owners believe that music in the workout classes motivates students and keeps them coming back for more. It also drowns out ambient noise and enhances the gym’s brand. While you may be able to adjust to the noise levels in the classes, limiting the volume may be better for your hearing health.
Less volume doesn’t make workout less intense
Less volume doesn’t necessarily make a workout less intense. That’s according to a 20-year study. In fact, it’s possible for many people to get good results with fewer visits to the gym. After all, “less is more” – as Miss Piggy famously said – doesn’t always mean “less is more”.
Music helps students remember routines
Students can improve their memory and focus by listening to music during their workout. For example, listening to a song that you love during a gym session can motivate you to get up and get moving. In addition, it can make the routines seem less tedious. For example, you can make yourself feel more energetic by listening to the music of Eminem or Beyonce.
Music can also help you focus better on your workout because you don’t have as many distractions. Without the buzz of social media, you’ll be more likely to concentrate on your workout. And if you’re a runner, your headphones can automatically select songs that are suited for your heart rate.
Music can also help you increase endurance. Research has shown that listening to music increases our ability to experience strong emotions. This is because it can increase our sense of pleasure. We love listening to music, and certain songs can open the floodgates of our emotions. When we listen to music, we can identify with the singer’s emotions and perspective.
It drowns out ambient noise
A gym can be a noisy place with a range of music and different levels of volume. In many group fitness classes, for example, the music can reach up to 93 decibels, which can be damaging to hearing after 60 minutes. A recent study from Hadassah College in Jerusalem found that the average gym noise level was 95 decibels. The researchers also found that 41% of people working out in the gym were aware that the music volume was too high and that they would like to adjust it.
Gym music is often helpful for those performing repetitive cardio, but it can also distract you from the task at hand if you’re concentrating on weightlifting. It’s also important to remember that the music you listen to in the gym can distract other gym-goers, so it’s a good idea to make sure you keep your earphones clean. Bacteria thrive in dirty earphones, and the buildup of earwax can lead to infections.
It enhances gym’s brand
A gym’s music plays a large part in its branding. The right music can improve the experience of the members. Whether they’re in the gym for fitness or for socializing, you want to make sure they feel comfortable and welcome. A gym can become an awkward place if you don’t have the right music. People make various noises while lifting weights, talking to each other, and clacking on machines. Without music, it could feel like a raucous party where everyone is talking and making noise. The right music can help drown out these noises so that people can focus on working out.
In addition to offering fitness music, gyms often provide headphones so that members can listen to their own music. The music, however, should be kept at a reasonable level – not exceeding 91 decibels – to minimize the risk of hearing damage. Furthermore, excessive noise can distract members and reduce their reaction time.
