| Exercise has been shown to lower blood pressure, improve bone density, increase strength and cardiovascular health, improve weight loss, and even increase a person's lifespan (Priest & Karageorghis, 2008). There is no denying the importance of exercise in everyday living. Many people believe that adherence to any exercise program requires motivation and enjoyment (Wininger & Pargman, 2003). Music can provide the motivation and enjoyment factor that allows people to exercise on a consistent basis.;This study explored the listening habits of 30 college level women rugby players. It was done to validate or invalidate many of the theories of music choices and exercise.;The study attempted to answer the following questions: (1) Why do people listen to music when they exercise? (2) What purpose does it serve? Motivation? Distraction? Synchronization? (3) What is the single most important component in music selection for workouts?;The results are relevant to college level female rugby players and their listening habits. All of the participants reported listening to music during workouts. The reasons for coupling music and exercise supported theories in the research; music is used for motivation, distraction, stimulation and synchronization. The variation in music genre and specific songs supports an under-researched factor of musical inspiration -- association. |
