I work out in the morning (or, I try to, anyway.) It’s meditative for me.
Benefit: Those early hours are your own, and they’re protected from all other distractions.
Risk: Limited.
When I’m at the gym or on the bike, I don’t want to think about my day, my work, or really anything at all; I want to zone out and go. Similar to how many folks relax and meditate, it’s like taking a shower or going to the spa or, I assume, worshiping in church (it’s been a minute.)
Benefit: A calm, relaxed mindset headed into your day.
Risk: Limited.
As part of that “not thinking,” my gym routine includes putting in my headphones and, with one click on shuffle, hitting play on whatever Spotify recommends. I don’t put much thought into it. If there is any strategy to it, it’s that the algorithm will power me through and get me to the zen zone. Trust the data, listen to the music, sweat through the workout.
Benefit: Finding a banger at the exact right time, you achieve mental clarity and peak athletic performance.
Risk: “Someone in the Crowd” from the La La Land (2016) soundtrack.
That risk became a reality for me this week when I found myself halfway through a chest press set, under the crushing weight of a barbell and a jaunty “you’ve got the invitation, you’ve the right address,” an unsettling opening stanza with a catchy 4/4 beat, blitzed through my AirPods.
At first, I was embarrassed. I racked the weight and thought, oh gosh, I hope no one sees my phone. Or, worse, that they can hear this.
And then I turned the volume up.
And then I pushed the heaviest I have in four weeks.
Silver Lining: “Someone in the Crowd” from the La La Land (2016) soundtrack might actually be a banger and by the time the chorus comes in, where in le film the dancers are jumping into the pool Bubsy Berkeley style, you’ve passed your personal record for the month.
I have two more weeks of this program I’m on, and the weight only gets heavier starting on Monday. So, thanks Spotify algorithm! I guess it’s me and Emma Stone at the gym. It may have been a quick moment of doubt, but shuffling still seems to be the right approach. We’ll see how the rest of the program goes and which pump-up songs Spotify pushes to me next.
Benefit: Discovering really dumb workout songs that work for your goals of mental clarity and peak athletic performance.
Risk: Limited.