Turn Up The Intensity!

Is there a difference in the quality of your workout if you walk on the treadmill while watching television versus listening to music?

It appears that there may be. According to research reported in ACE FitnessMatters, watching TV for thirty minutes while exercising will decrease your intensity and you'll expend 5% less energy than if you were to say, listen to music.

However, listening to upbeat music can increase your exercise intensity without increasing your level of perceived exertion. There's a condition though, you must actually enjoy the music you're listening to. The same effect may not be realized if you're listening to music you don't like.

The moral to this story? Put together a playlist or purchase some upbeat music that you really enjoy and add some high intensity fun to your workouts without feeling like you're working harder. Something else to consider; if you find you're not enjoying that country music step class, it may be the music. Don't give up on step aerobics, instead, try a hip-hop or other style step class.