Musical Components and Styles Preferred by Young Adults for Aerobic Fitness Activities

This study examined the attitudes of young adults concerning the influence of musical structural components and style on motor activity. Information was obtained through interviews of 70 college students (35 males and 35 females) enrolled in an aerobic dance class. Respondents (97%) indicated that music made a difference in their class performance. Specifically, musical style (96%), tempo (96%), rhythm (94%), and extramusical associations evoked by music (93%) were the musical components most effective in aiding aerobic activity. Ninety-seven percent of the subjects responded that music improves mental attitude toward the activity, while 79% indicated that music aids in pacing, strength, and endurance. Rock, pop, and new wave music were identified across age subgroups (from ages 18 to 30 years) and by both males and females as the three most frequently preferred musical styles for use in an aerobic workout.