Whether we’re going for a run, doing some strength training or taking a gym class, one thing’s for certain: music makes working out easier.

We all have that go-to playlist or album which gets us in the mindset for exercise. It’s no secret that listening to music during a workout helps us to feel more motivated and pumped to get moving. But what is it about music and exercise that works so well together?

Previous research has provided us with some clues. In particular, a piece of analysis from researchers at the University of Southern Queensland and Brunel University titled Effects of Music in Exercise and Sport: A Meta-Analytic Review, revealed that, alongside making exercise feel more enjoyable, listening to music while working out can have a number of positive effects.

The benefits of workout music: 5 ways that listening to music during exercise actually improves your workout