05-22-2022, 12:43 PM
Zeneffect Wrote:The physiological response to singing, music, chanting, etc (essentially a timing response) is extremely well documented. When you see Olympic athletes listening to music before whatever it is they are about to do (and they ALL do it) it's not just because they like music. The body subconciously is trying to sync breathing, heartbeat, it's releasing endorphins etc. Didn't have earbuds and I knew a little Otis redding. I suppose a breathing excersise is a less embarrasing but I find a song sets your mood as well.
As far as distractions? I can only keep 1 thing in my head at a time anyways, there is no physical room for distractions in that half a walnut I got going on. I'll find myself forgetting to breathe entirely after a string because I'm just holding sight picture and analyzing the shots. Brain gets stuck in shooter ready mode. Sometimes I wonder if my parents enjoyed huffing paint...
ZE:
I have seen guys listening to music via headphones at rifle matches but not too many. Am pretty sure they were doing it as a distractor or to keep their arousal level at a point where they could shoot as well as possible. Just never saw a lot doing it.
I believe it is far more common in active sports as a means for athletes to distract their attention from their perceived exertion when exercising or competing full out. Distance runners, cyclists, etc who must endure near maximum effort over a long period of time tend to try and focus on external things most of the time. Beat, rhythm etc synching with their movements etc. and music is a means for them to keep focus away from the physical pain of near max exertion.
My view of it all is that if it works, use it.
What sort of music do you listen to during your matches?
LR55