How to Match Your Music to Your Stride

The pace of your music can affect the pace of your run. Make sure your song choices are helping you.

Depending on your musical preference, here’s the best breakdown for beats per minute (bpm) to match your steps and stride:

One step per beat:

150–190 bpm

One stride cycle per beat:

75–95 bpm

If your goal is background music only, not synchronized with your legs, the recommended tempo is 120–130 bpm for low-to-moderate workout intensity and 130–140 bpm for moderate-to-high workout intensity.

RELATED: Running to a Rhythm: How Music Helps Runners of All Abilities