Physiologic and Perceptual Responses During Resistance Exercise With Self-Selected and Nonpreferred Music

Abstract Vinovrski, MF, Moll, R, Odebode, JO, Kenny, DA, Allocco, IN, Patel, YM, Schroeder, BG, and Beyer, KS. Physiologic and perceptual responses during resistance exercise with self-selected and nonpreferred music. J Strength Cond Res 40(1): 9–15, 2026—The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different music types on physiology, perception, and performance during resistance exercise. Nineteen resistance-trained men ( n = 9) and women ( n = 10) completed this counterbalanced, crossover study. On visit 1, subjects were assessed for body composition, performed a warm-up, and were estimated for 1 repetition maximum on squat, bench press, deadlift (DL), and bent-over rows. Subjects created a 5-song self-selected music (SSM) playlist and selected their least preferred genre for a nonpreferred (NON) playlist. On 2 subsequent visits, subjects completed 3 sets to failure of each exercise while listening to SSM or NON. Repetitions and rating of perceived exertion were recorded after each set. Blood lactate, focus, energy, fatigue, motivation, and enjoyment were assessed before the warm-up, each exercise, and after the session. Heart rate, muscle activation, ventilation, and muscle oxygenation were measured throughout each workout. Data were analyzed using 3-way analysis of variances with post hoc Bonferroni-adjusted comparisons. A significant trial × exercise interaction ( p = 0.016) showed greater repetitions for squat ( p = 0.005) and DL ( p = 0.011) during SSM than during NON. Significant trial × time interactions for motivation ( p < 0.001) and enjoyment ( p < 0.001) revealed no significant changes from pre- to postexercise during SSM, but significant decreases during NON. Main effects for focus ( p = 0.023) and energy ( p = 0.020) favored SSM. No significant effects were noted for heart rate, muscle oxygen, muscle activation, or ventilation. Furthermore, no effects of sex were observed for any variable. Self-selected music during resistance exercise led to more repetitions without increasing exertion or fatigue, with higher reported focus, energy, enjoyment, and motivation.