Find the perfect exercise music online

— -- Maybe you're just starting a workout regimen. Or, maybe you're training for the marathon. No matter, one thing will help you get more from your workouts: music.

Music can encourage you to exercise longer. It can also lessen fatigue and other distractions. That's why runners and other athletes talk about their ideal playlists.

Of course, not just any music will improve your workouts. But, I can help you find the perfect music. You'll find links to sites and software mentioned at www.komando.com/news.

It's all about beats per minute

Certain types of music are better than others for working out. You want a steady beat. That way, you can synchronize your movements with the beat.

Music with a changing tempo or time signature is not recommended. Avoid music that doesn't have a strong rhythmic force. Ditto for music that varies in intensity.

The key to choosing a working out song is beats per minute, or BPM. Unless you're a DJ, you probably don't think too much about BPM. This is basically the song's tempo.

Dance music has the most consistently high BPM. Rock music also often falls into the correct BPM range.

The songs' BPM should match your heart rate during your workout. Choose slower songs for warming up and for cooling down. Save the faster songs for when you've hit your stride.

The ideal tempo will vary from person to person. To find the ideal tempo, take your heart rate during a workout.

If you're walking, look for songs between 115 and 118 BPM. Power walkers should aim for 137 to 139 BPM. Runners will want tracks between 147 and 160.

You can download optimized playlists

Fitness magazines often publish workout playlists. But you'll also find sites and services that offer them.

For example, iTunes offers Nike Sport Music playlists. There are a few different series. You'll find mixes created for Nike by various bands.

You'll also find mixes hosted by professional athletes. The athletes offer encouragement and motivation.