The New York Times today explores the science of picking workout music:
One of the most important elements, Dr. Karageorghis found, is a song’s tempo, which should be between 120 and 140 beats-per-minute, or B.P.M. That pace coincides with the range of most commercial dance music, and many rock songs are near that range, which leads people to develop “an aesthetic appreciation for that tempo,” he said. It also roughly corresponds to the average person’s heart rate during a routine workout — say, 20 minutes on an elliptical trainer by a person who is more casual exerciser than fitness warrior.
Not that we work out often enough, but when we do, and we just don't think we can make it anymore, we bust out some Snoop, and then when things get really bad, only one song will do.
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