#Musicandexercise

For many in Thailand, it’s nearly unthinkable to exercise without a pumping playlist or soothing tunes to set the mood, whether at a bustling Bangkok gym, a local park jog, or a home-based workout session. The intertwining of music and movement, however, is far from a modern phenomenon. As recent historical research reported by The Conversation reveals, the ancient Greeks and Romans were just as keen on combining exercise and music—perhaps giving new meaning to the phrase, “old habits die hard” (The Conversation).

A growing emphasis on playlists in Thai workouts mirrors a long history: music has long fueled movement. The Conversation notes that ancient Greeks and Romans paired sound with sport, offering a deeper understanding of why rhythm matters in training today.

Music shapes motivation, pace, and mood during exercise. A 2020 meta-analysis shows that listening to music can boost performance, reduce perceived effort, and improve breathing. This aligns with how sound energized training long before modern sports science existed, and it resonates with Thai gym and class culture where instructors blend rhythm with movement.