Abstract
Exercise is an important way to keep our bodies and brains healthy. Exercise is sometimes hard, but we have ways to make it more enjoyable. We know that music can make low- to medium-intensity exercise more enjoyable. But does paying attention to music affect mood and the brain during high-intensity exercise?
We ran two experiments to find out. In the first experiment, we had participants do four runs on the treadmill at two intensities. This was while music was playing. The participants focused on music or on their bodies. In the second experiment, we had new participants do three runs on a treadmill. This time they focused on different combinations of music playing and their bodies. We measured their brain activity using a special headband. In both experiments, we measured the participants’ mood, enjoyment, and energy.
Our results show that focusing on music made running more enjoyable. We saw less brain activity with music playing when people focused on their bodies. This may help people stick to long-term workout programs.
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