Athletes often rely on specific songs to set the tone before competitions or during training sessions. Whether preparing for the Olympics or hitting the gym, the right music can serve as a powerful motivator, pushing individuals to surpass their limits and achieve personal bests. CBC Music recently delved into the world of sports psychology to explore how music influences athletes, examining the uplifting playlists of Canadian Olympians from both summer and winter games.
According to Costas Karageorghis, a leading sports and exercise psychology professor at Brunel University London, athletes tend to select high-energy tunes with fast tempos for training sessions. However, during intense competitions, they may opt for music that aids in concentration, blocks out distractions, and reduces stress levels. The choice of songs is crucial, as elements like tempo, syncopation, lyrics, and emotional messaging all impact the brain’s response.
Tempo plays a significant role in an athlete’s music selection. For instance, songs with beats per minute (bpm) ranging between 120 and 130 evoke high arousal levels, while those between 70 and 90 bpm induce lower arousal. Sprinter Andre De Grasse, known for his explosive performances, curates a playlist filled with high-tempo tracks that match his workout pace, such as “Sprinter” by Dave and Central Cee with a bpm of 139.
Music neuroscientist Jessica Grahn highlights the influence of tempo on physical movement, noting that fast-paced music can subconsciously push individuals to increase their speed and endurance. Before competitions, athletes like tennis player Bianca Andreescu use a combination of meditation and high-energy music to enhance focus and boost performance.
The lyrical content of songs also plays a crucial role in shaping an athlete’s mindset. Motivational messages, such as those found in tracks like “All These Things That I’ve Done” by the Killers, can inspire perseverance and resilience. By combining the right tempo, emotional messaging, and lyrical content, athletes harness the power of music to enhance their performance and achieve peak results.
Music serves as a valuable tool for athletes, helping them navigate the intense pressures of competition and training. By understanding the psychological impact of music, athletes can leverage its influence to optimize their performance and reach new heights in their sporting endeavors.