A new study from the University of Jyväskylä in Finland found that listening to your favorite music during a workout can help you exercise longer without feeling more exhausted.
Researchers studied 29 recreationally active adults who completed two cycling sessions at about 80% peak effort-one in silence, one with self-selected music. Those listening to music lasted nearly six minutes longer, averaging about 36 minutes versus 30 minutes.
Despite the longer duration, heart rate and other physical markers remained the same between both sessions. Lead researcher Andrew Danso said, "Self-selected music doesn't change your fitness level… it simply helps you tolerate sustained effort for longer."
The study suggests familiar songs help distract from discomfort, making sustained effort feel more manageable. Experts say the benefit comes from a shift in mindset, making exercise feel like a choice rather than a chore.