Fitness Training
This scientifically-inspired commuter playlist will change your work day
The average Brit spends 54 minutes commuting each day. Here are some specially curated tunes to help you make the most of it.
It’s easy to tackle your commute on auto-pilot. In the mornings you’re still bleary-eyed and coming to terms with the new day. In the evenings you just want to get home. But a good playlist can help you make the most of your commute, in turn firing your physical and mental performance. Here, we explore your soundtrack to success.
“Music has been a part of our society since prehistoric times, but it wasn’t until the fifth century BC that the Chinese discovered the benefits that music can have on the body,” says Julien Lavault, Founder of the fitness app FizzUp. “Every organ in your body has its own vibration, and has a positive response to sounds of the same frequency. That’s why music really does have an influence on your entire body, not just your auditory system."
Researchers from McGill University in Montreal found that levels of dopamine – the hormone responsible for sensations of pleasure or pain – were found to be up to 9% higher when volunteers were listening to music they enjoyed. Meanwhile, sports scientists at Brunel University have demonstrated that music can reduce your rate of perceived effort by 12% and improve your endurance by 15%.
So, we’ve established that music can have a positive impact on performance during sport, and also boosts mood when we’re static, such as riding the train home. But what songs work best?
Dr Costas Karageorghis, author of Applying Music In Exercise And Sport, agrees that music can either used to arouse or relax. For the former, he suggests tunes of 120-130 BPM, while slightly slower tunes of 110 BPM will help you endure over a longer distance, or simply get going in the morning. A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science backs up this research, finding that bass-heavy music can positively effect your sense of power, which is great if you’re dreading your day at the office.
So, whether you’re tired in the morning, and looking for music to get going, or feeling pumped come 5pm and want something to run home to, these two playlists will help you power through your commutes in style. Happy trails.
Ultimate Commuter Playlist: Up And at 'Em
Ultimate Commuter Playlist: Home Free
Let's breakdown the thinking behind the tracks
Up and at ‘em:
Survivor - Eye of the Tiger (4:04 mins)
Uplifting and inspirational. Come on, it’s the Rocky theme, after all.
Queen - Another One Bites the Dust (3:35 mins)
They key here is the bass groove, helping you lock your momentum into a sense of calm power. Perfect for the commute.
Katrina and the Waves - Walking On Sunshine (3:16 mins)
The tempo will get you up and moving, but really it’s the words that do the job here. Stirring your soul as it did Jack Black's in High Fidelity, it’s hard to feel disheartened with this in your ears.
Kanye West - All Of The Lights (4:59 mins)
A lively beat bolstered by a shining brass section plus lyrics about overcoming adversity make this Kanye classic the ideal morning mood-booster.
The Beatles - With A Little Help From My Friends (2:44 mins)
Many Beatles songs could fit the bill. We’ve chosen this one for it’s up-beat lyrics because, as Julien points out, feeling positive is half the battle.
OutKast - Roses (6:09 mins)
Just an absolute classic with a beat that you can’t help but move to. Even on a crowded train.
Arctic Monkeys - Fluorescent Adolescent (2:57 mins)
Another classic, up-tempo tune to help you get to work with a smile.
Home free:
M.I.A - Sunshowers (3:16 mins)
In short, it’s the beat that will keep you moving here, whether you’re running home or cycling.
Weezer - Buddy Holly (2:39 mins)
A relentless song with one of the best solos of all time. Your legs will be doing the fitness equivalent of air guitar.
The Beatles - Helter Skelter (3:40 mins)
The Beatles’ heaviest song will keep you full of adrenaline. The lead guitar lick keeps energy levels high, while the beat is equally relentless, and might just leave you with blisters on your feet.
R.E.M - Orange Crush (3:51 mins)
Wonderfully upbeat and intelligent, this song will keep your heart pumping, and engage your head, too.
The Rolling Stones - Honky Tonk Women (3:03 mins)
A rock ’n’ roll classic. The guitar lick will help you chill out, while the drum tempo will keep your heart rate up. The perfect zen state to run home in.
Iggy Pop - Lust For Life (5:12 mins)
A song so pumped up it was used at the beginning of Trainspotting as Renton ran from the cops. Need we say more?
Nirvana - About A Girl (2:48 mins)
A steady Dave Grohl groove and an irresistible Cobain melody make this essential listening when you’re on the move.
Blur - Parklife (3:24 mins)
Phil Daniels' lairy fitness advice alongside the upbeat music make this iconic track a great one to sweat out to. "Get some exercise!"