Motivational Running Music

Exercise and working out can be just as mentally challenging as they are physically challenging. This is not to take away from the physical effort of exercise, but it takes a fair amount of mental willpower just to keep going. The mind will usually bombard us with logical messages, such as: “I’m tired”…”My legs are stiff”…”I feel like walking”…etc…And on some days, these messages can keep us from completing workouts…or worse…never even starting them! It’s days like this when a few good tunes can save the day!

I have an inexpensive little MP3 player that can store a few hours worth of music…plenty for me. And while all of my running songs motivate me, there are a few of them that give me a real shot of energy. These songs can pick me up even from the lowest mental states and make me feel like an Olympian running down the final straight-away. I’ve even found that music has a positive effect on my breathing and my running stride.

Music is a terrific motivator, whether it’s a theme song from your favorite movie or a high-tempo pop song…whatever song stirs some up some good memories and positive energy will likely put an extra spring in your step. Music can divert our minds from the strenuous physical stress of exercise and keep your mind from dwelling on negative thoughts. It’s almost the same phenomenon as making a small child laugh after they’ve had a little wipe-out or scrape…it can make them forget all about the crying and wailing part ;-)!

So load up some good motivational running songs on your music player and let it carry you through the workout. It’s like tapping an internal rocket booster that you didn’t even know that you had!

You can find Motivational Running Music and other motivational fitness information in the August 2007 article of The Bullhorn. You can sign up for this free monthly e-zine below.