I’ve often heard that listening to music is an excellent way to motivate someone to work out even when they are feeling lazy. Is this true? Do you think this is our imagination or is there any scientific evidence to back it up? -Josh

Twenty years ago when I was a competitive power lifter, I listened to music before every competition. In fact, I’d have my headphones strapped on until the second I approached the platform for my turn to lift.

I wasn’t sure why it worked, but I knew it had a variety of positive effects on my performance, so I made recordings of my favorite motivational tunes and listened to them during workouts and before weight-lifting competitions.

Over the years I’ve had plenty of opportunities to experiment with music to see how it affected my clients while reading up on available research and have come to the conclusion that music is an excellent way to boost your physical and mental state during workouts. Here’s why.

Music helps you control your mood
Anyone who’s ever been to a funeral with bagpipes knows that music can grab hold of your emotions and bring you to tears in a matter of seconds; however, watching Sylvester Stallone run though the streets of Philadelphia to the tune of “Gonna Fly Now” might make you feel like jumping out of your La-Z-Boy and running a marathon.

This is because music has been proven to alter physical and emotional arousal and can have the same effects as a stimulant or sedative on a person who’s about to work out or compete in an athletic event. That’s why it makes perfect sense to load your iPod up with heart-pumping, energetic music to be played before and during your workouts.

Music can help you work at a higher intensity
When you need a boost to get to the next level, music may be your answer.

Studies suggest that high-energy music with a rapid beat may help the body synchronize breathing and body movement to follow the pace and tempo of the music, thus allowing one to work at a higher rate of speed for a longer period of time. So choose your tunes wisely for optimal results.

Music numbs the pain
According to Len Kravitz, PhD, at the University of Mexico, music may possibly mask the pain associated with being exhausted and replace it with more positive thoughts that allow one to work longer and harder during a workout. As the old saying goes, “When the going gets tough, the tough keep going as long as they don’t forget their iPods.”

So if you ever have a day when you just don’t feel like going to the gym, try using music to get motivated and you might be surprised at your change in attitude.