Music is ubiquitous. It can be found everywhere. Even in the most remote corners of the globe, peoples are shimmying to that boom bap. 

The ability of music to shift our mood is unquestionable. But why does it shift our mood and how can we leverage what science can teach us about music to help us stay fit and happy? The secret seems to lie within our brain. Listening to music lights up the brain like holiday shrubbery. This is true particularly of the auditory, movement, and emotional areas of the brain. 

Rockin' out also causes our pupils to dilate, our blood pressure to rise, and our dopamine levels to spike. Dopamine is that feel-good chemical! In fact, music provokes such an impressive chemical response it can become addicting. And while it is addicting, it is certainly safer than overeating and consuming piles of cocaine, ­activities also associated with the release of dopamine!

So the next time you grab your Kenzai gear, don't forget your music player.

That additional rush of dopamine will help you make the most of your workout and can keep you happy in the process.