In the weight room, sophomore Justin Murphy begins his workout routine by first putting in his headphones and listening to his favorite music. While listening to a variety artists on Pandora like Maroon 5, Murphy works out by sprinting and lifting weights.

“While I am lifting, I listen to music to pump me up and keep me motivated,” Murphy said. “If I am feeling bad the music helps lift my spirits so that I can perform better.”

Listening to music while working out does more for Murphy then just lift his spirits. According to a study conducted by John Moores University in Liverpool, cyclists when introduced to fast paced music, had total power output 3.5 percent greater than opposed to the same song at a normal tempo. When the tempo of the same song was decreased by 10 percent the total power output was 9.8 percent less powerful.

A smart phone app known as Synchstep uses the science of increased music tempo to boost performance by automatically adjusting the pace of ones music to the pace they want to run.

“An app like Synchstep would definitely help me run faster during a faster paced song,” Health teacher Rebecca Moore said. “The app would be helpful if you wanted to maintain a certain pace.”

Performance is not the only benefit of listening to music; it also has been found to have some soothing properties. A study of 70 college students organized by Len Kravitz Ph.D. concluded that 97 percent of participants in an aerobic exercise accompanied by a rhythmic tune felt the music enhanced and soothed them during their performance.

“Especially before a game I listen to music because the beats pump me up and help settle my nerves. Sophomore Joel Graves said. “It gives me time to myself to collect my thoughts and to contemplate how the game is going to playout.”

Exercising with music is proven to boost performance. From increasing speed and power to calming one’s nerves music can be a powerful tool for athletes.