In contemporary society, it’s common to see people working out while listening to music, whether at the gym or jogging outdoors. Research indicates that music enhances workouts, significantly improving performance and reducing feelings of fatigue. Interestingly, this connection between exercise and music has deep historical roots, as evidenced by the practices of ancient Greeks and Romans.
The practice of exercising with music dates back over 2,000 years. The Greek writer Dio Chrysostom, in his oration To the People of Alexandria, observed a widespread occurrence of music in various daily activities, including exercise. He noted that people even utilized music within gymnasiums, indicating that this synergy of movement and sound was well-established long before modern studies confirmed its benefits.
Ancient records suggest that such practices can be traced back to the poetic works of Homer. Many artistic depictions from antiquity, such as vase paintings, illustrate athletes training to the accompaniment of musicians playing instruments like the aulos, a wind instrument popular at the time. Notable historical figures, including philosopher Plutarch and writer Philostratus, highlighted the motivational role music played in athletic pursuits, asserting that it could enhance an athlete’s performance.
Moreover, singing during physical activities was prevalent among ancient peoples. For instance, in Homer’s Odyssey, the character Nausicaa enjoys a ball game with friends while singing, reflecting a cultural norm of merging music with exercise. Dancing was also recognized as an effective form of physical training, celebrated by philosophers such as Socrates, who believed it contributed to physical well-being.
Music was integral not only for individual exercise but also for military training, with soldiers marching to the sound of trumpets. The ancient Greeks and Romans viewed exercise and music as vital components in cultivating harmony between body and soul. This ideal emphasized balance and moderation; excess in either music or exercise was discouraged.
If ancient societies could witness today’s fitness routines, they might marvel but would likely approve—as long as these activities adhered to their principles of moderation.