Self-selected music raises cycling endurance 20%
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- University of Jyväskylä conducted a study where cyclists listening to self‑selected music rode about six minutes (≈20%) longer than in silence.
- Andrew Danso led the research at JYU’s Centre of Excellence in Music, Mind, Body and Brain and said the music helped participants stay in the “pain zone” longer without extra strain.
- Psychology of Sport & Exercise published the findings online on May 9, 2026.
- Participants (29 recreational adults) cycled at ~80 % of peak power while listening to tracks at 120‑140 BPM, showing similar heart‑rate and lactate levels to the silent trial.
- Self‑selected music (120‑140 BPM) allowed exercisers to tolerate sustained effort longer without feeling more exhausted, offering a zero‑cost performance boost.
Why it matters: Gym-goers and athletes can extend training sessions by ~20% without extra physiological strain, improving performance and adherence; fitness apps and coaches can incorporate personalized playlists as a zero‑cost performance enhancer.
