The feeling of turning on some music and tuning out of the world can be as immersive as visiting outer space. The therapeutic effect of music can not be downplayed, but what does it precisely do for a swimmer? You may wonder if listening to music improves your swimming. Well, from years of research, the answer is a resounding yes! Listening to music while swimming has become more conventional than in previous times, but is it all about the recreational impact of the activity? Is there more to it?
First, you should know that not all headphones can be taken into water, and even a pair of headphones with a water-resistant rating of IPX5 won’t be able to make it even a few minutes underwater without water seeping into it. So that means finding the right underwater headset, which is why we have compiled some of the best brands you can find. Swimming is an artistic sport, and matching it with music is a great way of unlocking every bit of euphoria and athletic balance that comes with each stroke. Let’s show you how.
Why Listening To Music While Swimming Improves Endurance
You may not have heard this before, but an athlete who swims with headphones on stands to last longer during their session than one who doesn’t. Music is a big hack when it comes to its effect on swimmers, as it’s one way you can boost your stamina while underwater. As a matter of fact, many studies have shown that the endurance level of athletes who swim with headphones increase by as much as 15%. Endurance is one quality that makes good swimmers stand out, given that the cardiovascular output that happens when your heart works intensely to supply enough oxygen to your body while swimming is high. For anyone trying to burn extra calories while swimming, one way to combat fatigue is through listening to music, as it will definitely provide you with the added push while you swim along with the beat.
How Swimming To Music Impacts Your Stroke Rate
Listening to music not only helps you keep your strokes consistent, but your speed is also enhanced. If you’re a bit of a show-off, what better way to flex your power and prowess underwater? One common hack you should try, if you notice a wane in your speed during a swim practice, grab a pair of underwater headphones and play a song with about 140 beats per minute(BPM). Even better, a BPM higher than this would potentially mean higher strokes, as it serves as a subconscious motivator. It’s amazing how the body inclines itself to move along rhythms. Incorporating music into your routine swimming training with songs that have relatively slower and faster BPMs, and swimming along its pace is one way to make your workout more engaging and creative.
Why Your Efforts Seem Reduced
Listening to music while swimming helps you stay focused, and settle into a rhythm with your strokes without you realizing how much effort you're committing to your workout. Music can be your personal cheerleader, and you can wind up with a greater distance per stroke. Moreover, music is a great way to cure the boredom that comes with repetitiveness that comes with swimming, especially considering the scenery is fixed and doesn't offer much visual stimulation. The small voice in your head asking you to call it a day is ultimately quelled. However, with all these benefits, what you should be focused on choosing the right swimming headphones. They need to have features like an IPX8 water-resistant rating, long-lasting battery life, and an extended playback time. Look for other features like Bluetooth bone conduction technology, and an ability to withstand minerals and pool chemicals. You also have options of choosing the audio type, as some come with MP3 players. In all, this range of features are designed to fit your preferences, and in the end, improve your swimming.