The Motivational Playlist

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: September 12, 2012

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How music can boost your workout for weight loss in Phoenix and Scottsdale

“Work it harder, make it better, do it faster, makes us stronger.” – Daft Punk

Since the dawn of man, every civilized culture has made music. From the first harps and flutes of ancient Egypt to the pulsing rhythms of clubs today, music has always had an unrivaled ability to make us move.

This is why music has always been so closely integrated with dance in our culture: it gets our hearts pounding, our blood pumping and our toes tapping. Listen to the infectious rhythms of one of your favorite, up-tempo songs and try not to bob your head or move your feet—it is difficult not to!

During weight loss, music can be a powerful motivational ally, helping you push a little further during each workout and enjoy burning calories more. Research has proven music’s efficacy as a workout booster, allowing us to push ourselves harder and faster even when fatigued. Music can boost our mood during exercise, reducing the amount of effort we perceive to help every workout feel more like fun and less like a chore.

As you lose weight and build up stamina during medical weight loss, the right playlist can help you optimize every workout. Regardless of your chosen activity or fitness level, putting together the right mix of motivating songs can push to work harder as you strive for your weight loss goal.

Are you ready to take weight loss to the next level? Start putting together the perfect playlist with these tips:

Pick What You Like

Much of music’s effect on us comes from its cultural impact. When we hear a song often, we tend to enjoy it more, which gives us a stronger motivational boost during exercise. Because of this, the ideal picks for your workout playlist should be songs you’re already familiar with, the high-energy tunes you might throw on during a great party or sunny summer drive.

There are also many specific songs that we associate with athletic determination, whether through movies, TV or their use at sporting events. Songs like “Eye of the Tiger” or “Chariots of Fire” may remind us of the inspiring moments these songs accompanied in the past, summoning up thoughts of overcoming adversity and beating the odds. We’re pre-conditioned to feel motivated by these songs—some of them may seem cheesy to you now, but they may just give you the little extra boost you need during your workout.

Keep Up the Tempo

The best tracks for your workout playlist will be those with truly energetic beats, songs that make it impossible for you to sit still. Research has shown that coordinating your steps or reps to the beat of an up-tempo track can subconsciously cause you to work harder while also reducing the amount of effort you perceive.

The perfect tempo for a workout track will be between 120 and 140 beats per minute (BPM). As a frame of reference, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” is about 120 BPM, while “Beat It” is nearly 140. You don’t have to force yourself to stick with these parameters—any song with high energy or an inspirational message can be valuable for your playlist. If you want to know how effective your favorite tunes might be in improving your workout, check out songbpm.com. This is a great online tool for determining the tempo of any track, but you can also try the smartphone app Cadence, which will play songs from your library based on the tempo you select.

What are some of your favorite workout songs for weight loss in Phoenix? Share them with us in the comments below!

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

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Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
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   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
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I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time.

6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
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