m&h copy.pdf - A PLAYLIST TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL HEALTH 2...

A PLAYLIST TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL HEALTH 2
Introduction
Over time, research has proven that physical exercise remains a fundamental aspect of
healthy living. According to the World Health Organization, adults above 18 years old should
have at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical exercise per week to keep fit
(WHO,
2006)
. Although this is the bare minimum health experts set for all adults regardless of their age,
gender, or socioeconomic factors, it can be difficult for some people to achieve. As we get older,
our lives get filled with priorities and responsibilities such that exercise may need a little
motivation. This is where music comes in. Music can be a useful tool as a stimulus to achieving a
successful physical exercise session as required by the World Health Organization. Therefore,
music remains an integral part of many physical activities, sports, and even daily workouts to
enhance performance.
Many psychology studies have emphasized the motivation aspect of music by locating its
power in the mind. According to Daniel Berlyne, music functions as an arousal in the mind,
heightening physiological processes such as the heartbeat, muscle activation, and blood pressure
(Berlyne, 1971). Also, music generates energy through the excitement, intensity, and stimulation
that it triggers. The entrainment value in music is a stimulant of sensorimotor coupling
(Trost et
al., 2014)
. We often find ourselves tapping our feet or nodding our heads to the rhythm, tempo, or
structure of a song which are the major music variables of entrainment
(Trost et al., 2014)
.
Besides, musical melodies and memory association to specific music influence mood, affect, and
emotion. Music that keeps one in a good mood while working out motivates them to keep going.
Karageorghis and Priest also state the endurance value music adds to physical activity
(Karageorghis et al., 2006). Music ensures enjoyment and satisfaction in a physical exercise

A PLAYLIST TO PROMOTE PHYSICAL HEALTH 3
which fosters mastery and vigor in the exercises. Ther efore, we can always use music’s rhythm,
tempo, and structure to support our physical exercises.
Being a university student, the immense pressures of studying, assignments, tests, and
classes make it difficult to find some time for aerobics. Even when I find time, I am worn out
and lack adequate motivation to do physical exercise. Therefore, I decided to devise a music
playlist I call “Bottle Caps and Moonshine” for my aerobics session workouts. This playlist
consists of ten songs that I sampled from music I listen to daily. While doing my aerobic
exercises, I noticed that I sometimes get bored doing repetitive motions to the extent where feel
tired before I complete my workout program. Therefore, based on the theories about using
music to achieve desired outcomes, I devised this playlist to heighten my physiological
performance while doing my aerobic workouts.