Syncopation: The ultimate running song, according to science
Whenever you exercise, whether that’s running, walking, or trying your luck at cardio and strength in the gym, it’s almost a given that music will be involved. Most of us consider our headphones to be an integral part of our exercise gear. Without it, we usually feel immensely let down by our inability to remember the important things. Although, on the surface, music seems to be a necessary companion when working out, science might suggest that there’s more to it than we initially thought.
We already know the impact that music has on our moods to a certain extent. Although it’s an incredibly complex phenomenon, the crux of it is that music can make us feel happier, more uplifted, and ready to face the day. From a scientific perspective, this is because specific notes, beats, and melodies within music cause a chemical reaction in our brains that enables the release of ‘feel good’ hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
When we exercise, these rules are more or less the same. However, music also yields another purpose that makes workouts like running seem and feel a lot less challenging. According to professor Costas Karageorghis of Brunel University, “music has the ability to lower your perceived exertion,” which means that running can feel easier when we crank up our favourite tunes due to its ability to give you that familiar mood boost.
Professor Karageorghis also explains that “if the music is selected with your cultural background in mind, your reduction in perceived exertion is about 12%”. This compares with listening to average music that doesn’t captivate as much, which only reduces your exertion by about 8%. In terms of specific sounds, “the track needs to have a groove,” Karageorghis says, which in science is connected to a term called “syncopation”.
In simple terms, syncopation is concerned with an “offbeat feel” involving lyrics “that lift you, move you, and raise your spirits,” according to Karageorghis. Although specific examples of this may differ from person to person depending on preference, Karageorghis says that generic songs that fall within this category include S Club 7’s ‘Reach for the Stars’, Marvin Gaye’s ‘Aint No Maintain High Enough’ and The Spencer Davis’ Group’s ‘Keep On Running’.
Karageorghis also alludes to the importance of upbeat, “happy” sounding arrangements and harmonies, which are crucial in moments when we are running at a high intensity. Often, these types of exercises will be difficult to upkeep, and we find ourselves battling against the temptation to stop due to our bodies telling us that there are various discomforts and even pain around the body. Hearing a positive tune, however, encourages us to continue and not fall victim to the doom and gloom of rapid movement.
So, next time you’re running or on the treadmill, pay close attention to the songs that put your mind at ease. It’s likely that these will be the more upbeat tunes, but what about the melodies? Does the tune have a hook that sticks in your mind long after the song has finished? If so, these are subconsciously tapping into the natural rhythms within your mind.
