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An interpretative phenomenological analysis of exercisers’ use of music during workouts

Lamont

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Abstract

This study explores exercisers’ use of self-selected music. Ten participants (7 female, 3 male) aged 26-58 years who exercised regularly took part in semi-structured interviews about their exercise and music use. Interviews explored how they sourced, selected and experienced music during exercise. The recorded data were transcribed, and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) to identify common patterns while also recognising individual experience. Four themes were identified: Taking control, referring to overcoming internal and external challenges through music; It’s all about me, involving self-identity and social positioning; Exercise music literacy, concerning musical judgement and technological skills; and Embodiment, concerning body-music-hardware interactions and synchronisation. The results provide examples of circumstances under which music provides exercisers with both positive and negative experiences. The findings contribute to understanding of the effects of music in exercise and demonstrate the individuality of preferences and usage.

Acceptance Date May 3, 2019
Publication Date Jun 29, 2019
Publicly Available Date Mar 29, 2024
Journal Psychology of Music
Print ISSN 0305-7356
Publisher SAGE Publications
Pages 193-215
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735619854527
Keywords exercise, iPod, mp3, motivation, health
Publisher URL https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735619854527

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