If you’re an Olympic fiend, you’ve definitely noticed that some of the best of breed athletes are rocking out with headphones prior to their competition. Which got us to thinking, what’s the deal?

Music is much more than a beat, for some, it’s a boost. Athletes and weekend warriors alike should know that turning up the tunes can sharpen your focus and amplify your performance.

For anyone active, you know there’s always a mental aspect to consider. Booming music while breaking a sweat whether it is for tennis, extreme sports, hiking and beyond really puts people in the zone. The thing is music energizes you and changes your mood in seconds. Music is a powerful training tool and can really help you enhance your natural abilities.

Of course, musical taste is widespread. While some might like rock and roll, others might train to pop. We weren’t the only ones interested in what others are jamming to. In numerous interviews since the games have started, work out music for a number of athletes have been revealed. Some select songs that you might want to consider adding to your new pump-it-up playlist might include:

• Welcome to the Jungle Gun ‘N Roses
• Eye of the Tiger Survivor
• Beautiful Day U2
• Flashing Lights Kanye West
• Where’s Your Head At Basement Jaxx

Several modern artists are high on the list of athletic playlists like Lil Wayne, Rihanna and even Justin Bieber.

If you want to get technical, there’s a science behind the use of music and maximizing your physical performance. Studies have shown that music is an incredible instrument is pushing boundaries. Years ago research in Acadia University in Nova Scotia found that women who listened to jams while running ended up lasting two minutes longer than those who didn’t. Not to mention these same women had lower perceived exertion.

On top of that, another study from Southwestern University in Texas proved that men cycling at high intensity were able to exercise longer with fast-paced music, and even pedaled harder with music they liked.

Sure it’s rare for the average jogger to be seen without and iPod, but are you using it to live untethered too? What’s on your power tunes playlist to help you push your limits?

Image 1 via MotionTraxx