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Listening to This Song While Walking Can Help You Lose Weight and Live Longer

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Most of us know that walking regularly is a great way to stay fit and healthy. You might also have a go-to playlist you listen to while getting your steps in. According to experts, there’s one song in particular that can help boost weight loss and longevity by helping us keep a quicker pace.

The musical insight was recently shared by Michael Mosley, MD, on his BBC podcast, Just One Thing. He was chatting with Marie Murphy from Ulster University in Northern Ireland, whose research explains that walking is a simple way to improve heart health, manage weight, and reduce the risk of premature death. In the podcast, she elaborated that at least “30 minutes of brisk walking every day” is ideal for “getting your circulation going and switching your brain on.” 

Basically, instead of a more leisurely stroll, it’s healthier to walk a little quicker (but no need to totally sprint) so that our blood really gets pumping. In order to keep the pace up, Dr. Mosely recommended listening to music with at least 128 beats per minute (BPM). More specifically, he described “I’ve Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas as the “optimal” song to listen to while out for a walk.

If reading the song title hasn’t already got the catchy tune in your head, you can refresh your memory with the video below:

Mosely admitted he prefers walking to “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees, but that only clocks in at 103 BPM. Although that’s less ideal for walking, it does work perfectly for remembering the proper rhythm while performing CPR.

And no one is suggesting we all listen to the same Black Eyed Peas song on repeat. You can mix in other fun songs with at least 128 BPM, such as “Get the Party Started” by Pink, “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5, and “The Edge of Glory” by Lady Gaga. Fans of more classic tunes can walk around to hits like “Oh, Pretty Woman” by Roy Orbison, “Love Shack” by the B-52’s, or “You Spin Me Right Round (Like a Record)” by Dead or Alive instead.

Murphy and Mosely also suggested taking our daily walks after breakfast to get the most out of them and kick our body’s internal clock into gear. For those who aren’t morning people, Murphy added, “I think the message that comes out of that is any walking, whenever you do it, is good.”

Now go grab your headphones, lace up your sneakers, and enjoy a brisk stroll!

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