Imagine this: You’re in the gym, you have one more set to do before you’re done. In finishing the last set you pick up those weights and the sweat falls. As the sweat falls, you struggle to lift your weights; you’re getting tired. Just as your tiredness begins to take over, BAM the beat drops in the song you’re listening to. You’re energized, you’re powerful, you’re strong, and you push those weights to the sky. All you needed was the power the music gave you. Music is a provider of inspiration and encouragement. Whether it’s the backing track of a horror movie or your favorite song playing as you run, music adds invaluable substance to moments in life. Why do people listen to music in the gym? Because music –especially fast paced music–has the ability to increase blood pressure and pulse rate, release endorphins, and overall provide adrenaline. In fact, I am currently listening to My Sweet Lord By George Harrison to encourage my writing. Due to music’s strong ability to impact mentality, many people utilize music to help them complete tasks.

I go to the Penn State White Building fitness center almost every morning and I don’t think there is a single person there without headphones. Even if someone isn’t wearing headphones, they are listening to music because the gym facility keeps the radio on. As is common knowledge, exercise is a mental challenge just as much as it’s a physical challenge. As I did my workout a couple days ago I saw a woman with headphones on. I see her there almost every day. She had awesome looking bug tattoos and she seemed really cool. As she wore her headphones she jammed out to the music she was listening to. I wanted to know what she was listening to. I went up to her, said I had a weird question and she kindly but curiously accepted my inquiry. She was listening to a song called “Whoomp! There It Is” by Tag Team. Tag Team is a hip hop duo from Atlanta, Georgia.

They specialize in old school rap and they’re best known for the very song I’m about to listen to. Starting off strong, the first line consists of a man yelling “PARTY PEOPLE!!”. As the yelling fades an electronic rap beat comes in. The fast paced rapping begins talking about partying and things like it. Between each rap verse, what sounds like a room full of people start repeating the title of the song. The contagious beat stays constant throughout the song. It makes you picture someone dancing like this.

The drum beat stays thumping until the very end of the song when it stops and the background changes to clapping as “Whoomp there it is” is repeated. Just before the song ends a tambourine comes in and the song then fades out. I can see why someone would listen to this in the gym. It is a very fast paced, exciting, and upbeat song; I believe it has have the ability to release some endorphins especially if you’re listening to it in the gym and looking for a push to help you lift those weights. This song will make you wanna hip hop, skip, and jump! Taking a look at the duos website, a button read “book now”. If any of you are ever planning an awesome party that you want some fresh beats and energizing vibes to send endorphins through you’re system, give them a call as tune as possible!