Whether you're headed a music festival this summer or waiting for your favorite singer's new single on iTunes, you might be surprised to learn that your love for tunes can actually help improve your fitness. Here are six ways music can help you score a rocking' bod: 

You'll set a better pace. A study in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that cyclists pedaling to music at the same speed as the tune's beat reported less discomfort. Experts say the same goes for running; when you're running pace is in sync with your music, you'll perform better. Download an app like SpringMove that makes playlists based on your running speed and music preferences. 

You'll work harder. When you need to pump out that last rep, pump up your music—literally. A recent study found that when music was at the highest volume, women could do seven more leg presses than when it was at the lowest volume. 

You'll last longer. A Brunel University study found that listening to music increases your exercise endurance by 15 percent, especially during cardio workouts. So whether it's that last mile on the treadmill or the last hill of a spin class, researchers found that music helped exercisers maintain a positive attitude about high-intensity exercise. 

You'll feel less exhausted. You know how a good playlist can make a hard workout seem effortless? Research in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that listening to music not only distracts you from how hard you're working, but also makes physical exertion less exhausting. 

You'll see better results. Another study found that people who listened to self-selected motivational music during resistance workouts saw greater improvements over four weeks than those who didn't listen to music at all. Plan your playlist before you get to the gym—you'll save time fiddling with your iPod and ensure you love every song that comes up. 

You'll keep moving after. Save some tunes for when you hit your foam roller after a long workout. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research found that athletes who listened to motivational music during recovery were more likely to move afterwards, cleared lactic acid out of their system faster, and had a lower perceived exertion level than those who didn't listen to music.  

Get your festival workout on with free fitness classes!
Women's Health and 24 Hour Fitness are partnering for a weekend (April 18-20) of music and workouts inspired by all the Summer music festivals.   

Take a break from the music and join us for complementary workout classes featuring heart-pumping music, amazing trainers, festival-inspired giveaways, and more! All attendees will also receive a year-long subscription to Women's Health magazine.

Join us for FREE workout classes featuring heart-pumping music, amazing trainers, festival-inspired giveaways, and more!
 
Classes include:
Friday, 4/18 at 9 a.m.: Zumba®
Saturday, 4/19 at 8 a.m.: Cycle
Saturday, 4/19 at 9 a.m.: U-JAM FITNESS®
Saturday, 4/19 at 10 a.m.: LES MILLS BODYPUMP™
Sunday 4/20 at 9 a.m.: Zumba®

Address: 42900 Jackson St, Indio, CA 92203
RSVP to Mary.Whitlock@rodale.com

Plus enter a chance to win a Women's Health Festival Survival Kit:  with a Bubi Water Bottle, KIND bars, RAINRAPS Poncho, COOLA Sport Sunscreen, Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Defense, Japonesque Makeup Remover, Tightline Waterproof Mascara, Health Warrior Chia bars, copy of Shape Up Shortcuts by Jen Ator, The Next  Fitness Star DVD, and more. Click here to enter!  

Get more information  on a 24 Hour Fitness membership  or to download a free pass here.