Sports without music, it’s nothing but a game. Music adds the emotion.
-Ice Cube
The Power of Intention
Music is one way of unlocking focus, controlling mood, building confidence, and being motivated to compete.
Whether you need pumping up or calming down, listening to music before practice and competition can help set the tone.
“Pump up the jam”
Music with faster / up tempo beats and intensity can elicit faster reaction speed, strength, and excitement.
“Mellow, that’s my style”
Calming music with slower beats and tranquil sounds can help slow things down to relax the body, and reduce nerves and anxiety.
“Variety is the spice of life”
Having both calming and upbeat music gives you options. There are times when you need one or the other before competition and practice.
“Hurry up and wait!”
With sports like swimming, equestrian, taekwondo and fencing, there are a lot of hurry up and wait moments during competition. So, it’s good to have music to relax you during the downtime and music to get you ready to compete.
In the end, listening to music helps keep you present focused and feeling the beat versus over-analyzing and over-thinking.
