Music‐Related Interventions in the Exercise Domain

This chapter takes a theory-based approach to the exploration of the purpose and application of music in the exercise and physical activity domain. It begins with an outline of key concepts, continues with detail on the evolution of relevant theory—focusing primarily on the present author's 2016 theoretical model detailing the antecedents, moderators, and consequences of music use in exercise and sport. The chapter addresses the mechanisms that underlie the purported effects of music, and provides some theory-based examples of application. There are three primary ways in which music can be applied to exercise: pre-task, in-task, and post-task. An over-arching consideration is that music selected to accompany exercise should be congruent with participants’ personal characteristics and meet the needs of the task at hand. It should also be targeted at the desired consequences for a given workout.