Three key findings from this study should reshape how athletes and coaches think about music during training. First, music extends exercise duration by approximately 20% by enhancing psychological tolerance to effort—not by reducing the metabolic demands of the work. Second, the preference for 120–140 BPM tracks suggests athletes naturally select music aligned with high-intensity exercise rhythm. Third, because physiological stress markers remain unchanged, coaches must recognise that music allows athletes to push harder without reducing actual strain, necessitating careful monitoring for overtraining and fatigue accumulation.
Music is a legitimate performance aid, but it masks rather than eliminates physical burden. Athletes using music during intense training should maintain appropriate recovery protocols and avoid assuming extended endurance reflects improved fitness or reduced physiological cost. The psychological boost is real and beneficial—just not metabolic.
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