In synch: your body, your music

Now this is trick. We all have had the experience of getting into "the zone" with the help of music, going farther and faster to the beat.

Now Yamaha has come out with the BodiBeat, an MP3 player that automatically matches the beat to your expercise pace. Or, you can tell it to play faster songs when you go too slow (and slower songs when you're too fast).

The machine measures your pulse and calculates your pace while playing DJ.

The web site is well done and interesting, even if you're not in the market for a new player. Check out the BodiBeat for yourself. The device isn't listed on Amazon yet, so stay tuned.

Yamaha had a Ph.D researcher test the theory behind BodiBeat. The results would seem to hold true for whatever device you were using, however:

Purpose of the experiment: To measure RPE (Rating of Perceived Exhaustion) and comfort level in jogging, under different kinds of song preference and different song tempos. Using those measurements, to examine the importance of song preference on jogging and the importance of matching tempo to the jogging pace.

The findings: Subjects using a treadmill felt more comfortable and less fatigued when the song tempo matched the exercise steps. Even if they didn't like the song all that much. Even if it was Yoko Ono.

Read the music and fitness study (PDF).

When it comes to portable players, Life & Fitness Coach recommends the V-MODA Vibe Earbuds and the Sansa MP3 Player. Here's our music-player review from last spring.