How do gym members engage with music during exercise?

Abstract

Music is widely used to accompany exercise, and research has investigated its effects on a range of physical, physiological and psychological outcomes using quantitative methods. This research sought to investigate music and exercise using a qualitative approach. Sixteen gym members aged 17–67 were interviewed about their exercise and music use while at the gym. Through thematic analysis, we found three distinct groups of exercisers, ‘Socialisers,’ ‘Workers’ and ‘Groupers,’ who engaged differently with other people and with the gym environment, and showed contrasting use of music while exercising. Socialisers were largely ambivalent towards music for exercise, while Workers displayed sophisticated tailoring of playlists to facilitate increased effort. Groupers used music as a shared reference when exercising with other people. The groups differ in both gym social interaction and gym music use, and further research should explore how life stage and age might be influencing this. In contrast with existing literature, a liking for contemporary styles was found among exercisers in their 40s and 50s. The findings suggest a strong influence from developments in music technology on the use of music in exercise, with important implications for exercise facility managers who wish to make their premises appealing across the lifespan.