We want music to move you, and music is just the right tool.  Depending on the tempo and beat when you exercise, music can motivate you to move faster, help coordinate your rhythm, keep your breathing in sync with your movement , help maintain a constant pace or give you incentive to keep moving.

It’s a known fact that if you start your day exercising, you will burn calories all day long.  Now who doesn’t want to burn off calories all day long?

Personally, I have a hard time rising in the morning to exercise. So, when I press myself to get up and put on my workout clothes, I place my headset over my ears, and the music starts pumping.

In a matter of minutes, I’m on my way, ready to exercise. The music keeps me going and before I know it, 45 minutes to 1 hour have gone by. How about that!

Music will wake you up and pump you up.

Praise and physical movement can go hand in hand. Praise and worship music reminds me to give God glory, and the faster the music goes (120-140 BPM -beats per minute) the faster I go.

Where can you get great workout music? Check with your local Christian book store. If they do not have it, ask them to order it for you. Or, ask someone in the fitness arena where they get their tunes. You can also make your own. There’s nothing better than listening to songs that give honor to the Lord since He, after all, is the one who gave you this body.

And here’s a tip for when you workout with music : try incorporating weights to get the most out of your workout. Weights will strengthen and firm your body.

For example, when walking, carry lightweight barbells (1/2-2 lb.) and  use them in a regular back and forth arm swing movement, or move your arms up and down, Bicep/tricep curls and forward or backward arm circles are also good. If you do not have barbells, 2 bottles of water will do. (Hmmmm-how about frozen water or bigger bottles for added weight when you get stronger?) 

Should your arms get tired, sit the weights down and keep on going.