Run, or exercise with classical music

Most people, who run with music will argue that it helps them perform better. And according to this Daily Mail article they are right. Best would be if we believe the expert Jack Lewis, to use classical music: "'Energetic but not overly-fast classical music can be ideal in the gym."

For those who spend time in a gym you will agree that the music played can best be described as 'a beat and not much more'. And yes, this upbeat music has a positive effect on the intensity and duration of the exercise but you might consider a classical alternative that offers the same beat. Why? It has added benefits!

It will reduce heart rate, blood pressure and lower perceived exertion, at the same time. In addition, relaxing music has been shown to lower levels of cortisol in the body, the hormone associated with stress.

According to Lewis the classical music that survived time is more sophisticated and has these nice side effects.

OK, but which music to pick? Lewis suggests music with a beat per minute (bpm) in sync with your heart beat. For the 140 bpm he suggests Beethoven's Symphony No. 4, the Fourth movement (Listen and download MP3 on amazon).

Lewis has more tips but to me these are not listed as 'classical':

• Michael Jackson's Rock with You (MP3 download) for warming up with 116 bpm
• Johnny Cash's Heart of Gold (MP3 en preview ) for the Cooling Down