"Music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." - Bob Marley
Music is one way of unlocking focus, controlling mood, building confidence, and motivation to compete.
Here are a list of ingredients within songs that help to motivate and build confidence before practice and competition:
1. Rhythm, choose music with a steady, strong, and energizing pulse and beat.
2. Tempo, the beat in the music should match the tempo in your sport, like a certain pace of a distance runner.
3. Muscle memory, lyrics that relate to movement like Salt ‘n Peppers song “Push it,” help to build muscle memory. If your brain can imagine it, it will help you physically do it.
4. Mood enhancer, uplifting melodies and harmony. Pick songs that elicit the positive responses you want in sport, like never give up and play harder.
In the end, pick the music that inspires you to perform, stay positive, and motivated.