How Music Makes You Move More

Running is how I relax. Without question, I do my best thinking when I run. I let my mind roam free, as I try to make sense of the world. I’ve written articles in my head, and solved problems while running. It is my personal time and space.

And I always listen to music.

As my feet lightly tread the ground beneath me and as I take in the beauty of NYC’s Central Park, I use music to transport me into a meditative state, keeping pace with the beat of  Tom Petty or Sheryl Crow.

In an article I wrote for AARP, I included my personal playlist of songs that motivate, inspire and keep me moving for well over an hour. Click here to read the article and access the full playlist).

Robert J. Zatorre and Valorie N. Salimpoor explain the appeal of music from a neurological standpoint in a recent New York Times article– “Why Music Makes our Brain Sing”. We not only love music, they say, we crave it. It can transport us to a different state of mind, but can also keep us grounded. The tempo of music can be adjusted to fit all sorts of activities–from a fast paced tune to ease a brisk jog, to a slow and deep tune to relax the brain and body. There’s music for every workout and for every fitness level. You just need to figure out what will get you moving the most.

Feeling stuck in your workout routine? Consider adding running (click here to see a short video about #1 secret to running after 50) and music to your fitness program. And tell me the songs that move you the most in the comments section below.

Until next time, remember this: We can’t control getting older . . . but . . . we can control how we do it! 

Questions? I want to hear from you! For more tips on living your best life after 50 (or 60, or 70…) check out The Best of Everything After 50: The Experts’ Guide to Style, Sex, Health, Money and More and www.bestofeverythingafter50.com. Keep me posted on how you’re doing by subscribing to me on Facebook and “tweeting” me on Twitter at @BGrufferman.  Check out my new video series–The Best of Everything–on the AARP YouTube Channel. And don’t forget to say YAY! every day!