I Exercised Without Music for A Week: Here’s What I Learned
Isabella Cannon
| 3 min read
Normally, if I forget my headphones at the gym, I panic. I’ve even considered turning around and going home because of it. For as long as I can remember, music has been an essential part of my workout routine. It boosts my motivation, keeps me focused and helps me power through tough sets.
But have I become too reliant on it? Are there benefits to working out without music? I decided to put it to the test and spent a week exercising in complete silence. The results surprised me.
The transition to music-free workouts
The first day was rough. Cardio felt never-ending, and I was hyper-aware of the clock. Weightlifting lacked its usual intensity, and I found it harder to push myself. But as the days went on, I started noticing a shift. Without music, I became more engaged with my workout, redirected my thoughts and found new sources of motivation.
One of the first things I noticed was how much more efficient my workouts became. With music, my gym sessions typically lasted over an hour. Without it, I completed the same routine in nearly half the time. I wasn’t constantly pausing to find the right song, change playlists or getting distracted by notifications when checking my phone.
Advantages of silent workouts
Improved focus on form
Without music, I became much more mindful of my movements. I focused on engaging my core, maintaining proper posture and using a full range of motion. With music, I sometimes get caught up in the beat and rush through exercises. Slowing down and using controlled movements improved my form and reduced my risk of injury.
Better breath support
Another unexpected benefit was my awareness of breathing. While breathing should be second nature, I sometimes catch myself holding my breath or failing to use proper diaphragmatic breathing. Without music, I was able to tune into my breath, make necessary adjustments and improve my breathing patterns to match the activity.
Increased internal motivation
Music often acts as an external motivator, pushing me through tough sets. Without it, I had to dig deeper. I began reminding myself why I was working out, focusing on the long-term benefits for both my physical and mental health. I also started reading motivational passages in the morning to set a positive tone for my day. Without constant audio distractions, I had more space to process my emotions and reflect on my progress during the workout.
Completing a full week without music was a challenge, but it was worth it. I discovered that while music can be a great workout tool, it can also be a distraction. Moving forward, I won’t be giving up my workout playlists entirely, but I will be more intentional about when and why I use them. Whether or not to listen to music during a workout should depend on my goals for the day.
This experiment changed my perspective, and I’ll be balancing my exercise habits. Whether I use music or go without, I’ll focus on making the most of my workouts.
Photo credit: Getty Images
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