Music can be a great tool for keeping people active and outside, and it is especially helpful in having people come together and socialize. Think about it – when you go outside and encounter people running, most of them have ear buds or headphones on, listening to their iPods or music on their cell phones. When you go to the gym, you might hear music playing in the background, or notice people there have brought their own music devices. Participants in sporting events even do the same – no matter where we look, people are using music as workout fuel, and it’s a wonderful thing.

Music While Exercising

For those people who love to work out, whether it is running, hitting the gym, or even playing basketball with friends, music can be a vital component to their workout. Many people remember to bring their music to their works, but they forget to bring water. Don’t forget to drink up. Other people who like to use music in their workouts have their own specific play lists that will suit their mood and the type of workout that they are going for. For a slow jog, they might choose slower and more mellow music, while a fast-paced run or workout at the gym might call for music that is faster paced and more upbeat.

Many people who play team sports with their friends or have recreational gatherings to play basketball or a game of football might choose to bring a portable stereo with them, or portable speakers for their iPod or cell phone. This allows everyone to listen to music together while playing.

Outdoor Events

A lot of concerts, shows, and performances are held outdoors, especially during the summer months, but how to prepare for something like this can be a difficult question to answer. Perhaps your town has specific festivals or celebrations for the holidays during the summer months, or maybe you have to travel to see one of these performances, but they all have a common goal of getting neighbors outside together. Music is popular during neighborhood picnics, and many of them have special music and concerts to gather more attendance and bring people outside.

Exercise and Children

Many neighborhoods are working together to bring music activities and programs to children, as well. This helps them to create and improve social skills and friendships, while fighting childhood obesity and giving children a love for music. It will motivate them to exercise and learn to link exercise with positive feelings, instead of just knowing it is something they have to do, thus making it less enjoyable and something that they might be more likely to give up on in the future.

A lot of schools with physical education programs also bring music into the classroom as a way of promoting exercise as a happy and healthy habit. Other childhood games, such as musical chairs, are played with music, which can encourage the children to enjoy getting out and active with their friends. If your kids are out playing all day, make sure they bring some disaster snacks in case something bad happens.

No matter how you look at it, music is great for getting people, both young and old, out and active. Whether you plan on spending time together at an outdoor concert or are taking a relaxing hike and want to listen to some mellow tunes that will fit the mood, music and exercise go hand in hand to promoting great health and good lifelong habits.