Music can change your mood. It will make you forget about whatever is upsetting you and put you in a good mood. Music will also boost your gym sessions. The beat or the rhythm will give you that feeling you need to push a bit harder. It will literally push you from behind and make you exceed your limitations while working out.
When it comes to choosing the right music, there are lots of options out there. What works for some people will not work for everyone else. Moreover, different people use different apps for music. Some of them rely on YouTube playlists meaning they have to listen to ads all the time. Some others use Spotify, while others download music on their actual gadgets.
These are only a few examples, but then, what is the best music app for running?
What is the best music app for running?
Rock My Run is one of the most downloaded apps on both Android and iOS mobile devices. The best part about it? It stands out in the crowd by automatically adjusting the sync to your rhythm based on the heart rate or step rate. You can also come up with the right BPM for your workout, while the app will find music to match it by itself.
It is worth noting that your BPM should be kept under control. For example, 145BPM is probably the optimal way to push yourself. More than that will not necessarily give you more gains, but bring in more fatigue and risks. Believe it or not, the possibility to find the right music will boost your motivation and help you enjoy your workout without feeling bored anymore.
Also Read: How to mute the music that starts playing automatically from a web page
Is there a running app with music?
Apart from Rock My Run, Spotify used to provide a similar feature. Known as Running, the feature is used to rely on the accelerometer on your smartphone in order to provide the right type of music. Basically, everything was synced for the optimal pace. However, the feature did not last long. In 2018, it was removed from the app.
With all these, Spotify is still a good alternative to Rock My Run. It provides a wide selection of playlists usually made by other people based on songs suitable for running. Go to the playlists, find the workout category, and simply choose something suitable. You can also come up with your own playlist if you want something in particular.
How can I listen to free music while running?
Runtastic is available for free, but you can also get a subscription for more features. It is a good option for running enthusiasts. Instead of providing the right music for your running workouts, it adopts a different approach you are given running stories. Some parts of the story are based on music, while others are based on audiobooks.
The content is exclusive, so you are less likely to find it somewhere else. It is exclusively created by audio technicians, storytellers, and musicians. You can find a few different genres as well as coaching, travel, inspirational, and so on. Each story is around half an hour long. Furthermore, Runtastic also works as a workout tracker and allows one to set goals, find patterns and perform different challenges.
Also Read: How to automatically stop music or videos on the iPhone
Running music apps for Android
Rock My Run, Spotify, and Runtastic are all available on both Android and iOS devices. The list is longer than that though. It is up to you to determine the optimal app based on the available music or the extra features that can add to your workout efficiency. Here are a few other applications that will ease your workouts.
- Fit Radio is available for coaching, music, or running, it can also match music to your pace.
- Hit Your Run is a bit old-fashioned, but the app is still good for allowing you to find music by BPM.
- Gym Radio is easy to use, this app has tabs for different types of workouts and associated music.
Free-running music apps
Not interested in getting a subscription? While it may be helpful to benefit from the full capabilities of an app or to avoid listening to ads every now and then, it is worth noting that most premium apps also come with free versions.
This goes for most workout apps out there; whether it’s running or overall workout apps. After all, running isn’t the only workout you would need an app for. Sometimes you need an app that can do a little more; like track your heart rate, monitor calories burned, and keep tabs on other stats when grinding out just about any other exercise in the gym.
Again, these apps have limitations, so you do not necessarily need to pay for a monthly or yearly subscription.
Hit Your Run is probably the most reputable running music app that does not feature a premium subscription. It is entirely free and there are no options to upgrade. It is only available for Android devices, so iOS users will have to find something else. As you load it up, it feels a little old-fashioned and simplistic, but it gets the job done.
The app is not too sophisticated and does not come with syncing between the music and your running pace. However, this is not necessarily an issue, as you can search music based on the BPM. You can also create and save playlists. Keep in mind that the app mostly aims for new releases, so you are less likely to find any old classics.
Can you make your own playlist on Rock My Run?
You can create your own playlists and save them on Rock My Run, so you can play them on further occasions too. You need to be registered though. Once registered, log in and set up a new playlist. You can sort it by genre, length, or BPM. You have the possibility to create more playlists too and you have more choices in terms of genres R&B, reggae, pop, country, and so on.
Is there a free version of Rock My Run?
Rock My Run only has one version it is initially free, so you can give it a quick test before deciding whether or not the subscription is worth the money. The free trial lasts for one week only. Once it is over, you will need to subscribe in order to use the app. You can pay monthly or yearly the price is not bad at all and the yearly subscription will give you better value for money.
How do I use the Rock My Run app?
Rock My Run is fairly simple to use. There is no experience required. Download it and load it up. Start searching for music with lots of different criteria, including the BPM. You can also find an option to make a new playlist and save more playlists for different workouts. Hit play on the first song and the app will move on from one song to another by itself. It is intuitive and straightforward suitable for everyone out there.
Group fitness music apps
In theory, group fitness comes with some legal requirements. For example, every gym instructor out there will play some music. But did you know that streaming music to an audience is illegal? Unless you have a license, you are not allowed to do it. Sure, no one is going to check, but then, it is also worth noting that there is also a right way to get things done.
Group fitness music producers are specialized in providing access to music that can be streamed. Here are some of the most popular choices:
- Dynamix
- Power Music
- Muscle Mixes Music
- Yes! Music
On another hand, there are also some companies allowing the possibility to stream music in fitness environments, but they usually come with subscriptions. Here are a few names:
- Yes! Go
- Power Music Now
Custom music mixes will give you more control over playlists, the tempo, and so on, so here are a few choices:
- U-Mix It
- Custom Click Mix
Now, lots of people will not necessarily bother with such things. When playing music in a controlled environment such as your garage for a few friends, you can use most fitness music apps with no issues:
- Rock My Run
- Spotify
- Fit Radio
- Runtastic
- Hit Your Run
- Spring Running Music
- Gym Radio
What is the best workout music app?
In a short final conclusion, it is difficult to determine the best workout music app. Even a rather simple search for the most suitable running app could easily turn out to be the toughest thing you have done in a long time.
The question is a difficult one and mostly depends on the types of workouts you do, as well as the type of music that works to motivate you. Those who run will like a particular type of music, while those working with weights will prefer something else.
Most of the above-mentioned apps can ease your life in the gym whether free or with a subscription. But then, you should also enjoy the music. Even if the music matches your BPM, it becomes completely useless if it is not the type of music you prefer. You need to feel it before making a final decision and creating a playlist.
The bottom line, the general idea is you should try more apps. If you are not fussed about the music but want something loud in your headphones, any app will do. But if you are picky, you better take your time to decide.
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