If you love exercising or running to music, then you are not alone. Research has shown that listening to music improves exercise performance. Research shows that runners often adjust their steps to the rhythm of the music. Higher BPM encourages you to take more steps per minute. Such an application can be used not only in running, but also when doing yoga, cycling, skiing and in the gym..
But which app works best? This is a tricky question and depends a lot on the type of training you choose. If it's not a matter of principle for you to automatically switch music in accordance with the pace of your run, then Spotify (or other services for listening to music ) will be the best choice. For people looking for BPM functionality, we recommend RockMyRun.
RockMyRun
RockMyRun is one of the most popular BPM music apps on the App Store. A hallmark of RockMyRun is its ability to automatically adjust music to sync with your running pace or heart rate. You can customize the app to line up the playlist according to your preferred heart rate..
However, remember that the recommended maximum rhythm is 145 beats per minute. Exceeding this indicator will not be beneficial. It is noteworthy that the positive effect of RockMyRun is confirmed by independent experts from the Center for the Study of Physical Activity ( link to study ). The app has been found to increase motivation and increase exercise enjoyment by 35%. You can see this for yourself with the help of the training history, which will indicate the track that was played while running and your performance.
The app is available for Android and iPhone ..
Fit radio
The Fit Radio app consists of three tabs, switching between which you can choose your preferred audio collections.
The first tab is Coaching. Motivational tracks are recorded here, pushing you to workout. You only need to choose the type of exercise: running outdoors or on a treadmill, exercising on a simulator, moderate training or vigorous. Music accompaniment will alternate with motivational advice. 24 new playlists are available weekly.
The next tab is Music. It contains special DJ mixes. Fit Radio compares favorably with Spotify and Google Music with the ability to sort your music by BPM, DJ and workout. Here you can set the intervals as you like. Up to 150 new mixes are available every month.
The last tab is called Running. It works like a RockMyRun app - picks music according to the pace of your workout. Just press the Play button and start running, the app will take care of the rest.
The app is available for Android and iPhone .
Runtastic
Runtastic is a Spotify Running alternative. The difference between the two is that instead of playing good running music, Runastic suggests listening to their Running Stories.
The Running Story is part audiobook, part music mix. Exclusive content created by an international team of storytellers, musicians and sound engineers. The stories are available in several different genres (for example, Inspirational, Science Fiction, Travel, and Motivational), and each is approximately 30 minutes long.
Of course, Runtastic also differs from the other apps we've reviewed in that it can be used to monitor your workouts. You can set goals, analyze training patterns, complete tasks, and more.
The app is available for Android and iPhone .
Spring running music
Spring Running Music is an iOS app. It combines the functions of a workout music app and a regular player. Spring Running Music selects music to match the pace of your workout. It automatically detects your running rhythm and plays music at the appropriate BPM. In total, there are over 100 different playlists on offer filled with great music.
In Spring, you can create your own interval workout playlists. The program has a built-in GPS tracker for monitoring distance and calories burned.
WeavRun
WeavRun matches tracks to your tempo, so you can run to the music without worrying about a slow song breaking the tempo. Weav technology carefully selects each song. All songs on Weav Run can play from 100 to 240 bpm without losing track integrity. Weav can run concurrently with other apps like Strava, Nike + Run Club, MapMyRun, Runkeeper, Runtastic. Weav Run also integrates with the Health app to track and save your workouts.
Weav Run lets you control your music using two modes. The first synchronizes the music with the pace of the run. If you run faster, the song will speed up. If you slow down, the song instantly adapts and plays at a slower BPM. The second mode allows you to independently set the desired BPM, and each song that you listen to will be played at the specified tempo. If you want, you can change the settings at any time. Use this mode to maintain a consistent rhythm while running. If needed, Weav Run can also be used during yoga to set a low BPM to help you calm down more quickly.
The app is available for iPhone .
Hit your run
Hit Your Run is slightly inferior in functionality to other applications from this list. Nevertheless, it has one undeniable advantage: the application can be downloaded and used completely free of charge, no subscription is required. The app is ad-supported, but this is a trade-off that can be made.
The program does not provide for automatic music switching in accordance with the pace of the run. But all the music is searchable and you can create your own playlists. Basically, access is open to new music releases. You probably won't find old compositions here. Sorry, Hit Your Run is not available on iOS.
The app is available for Android .
Spotify
Spotify used to have a Running feature. That is, it, using the accelerometer in the phone, determined the running speed and switched the melodies. Unfortunately, Spotify dropped this feature in early 2018.
Regardless, Spotify remains a great option. The Workout category includes a wide variety of playlists to listen to while running. To access it, you need to open the application on your smartphone and enter Workout into the search. But since the application does not work in Russia, you will have to install a VPN on your smartphone to use it .
Update: On July 15, 2020, Spotify became available for Russia.
The app is available for Android and iPhone .