Maybe you’re just starting a workout regime. Or, maybe you’re training for the marathon. No matter, one thing will help you get more from your workouts: music.

Music can encourage you to exercise longer. It can also lessen fatigue and other distractions. That’s why runners and other athletes talk about their ideal playlists.

Of course, not just any music will improve your workouts. But, I can help you find the perfect music.

It’s all about beats per minute

Certain types of music are better than others for working out. You want a steady beat. That way, you can synchronize your movements with the beat.

Music with a changing tempo or time signature is not recommended. Avoid music that doesn’t have a strong rhythmic force. Ditto for music that varies in intensity.

The key to choosing working out song is beats per minute, or B.P.M. Unless you’re a DJ, you probably don’t think too much about B.P.M. This is basically the song’s tempo.

Dance music has the most consistently high B.P.M. Rock music also often falls into the correct B.P.M. range.

The songs’ B.P.M. should match your heart rate during your workout. Choose slower songs to for warming up and for cooling down. Save the faster songs for when you’ve hit your stride.