What is the app that syncs music to running pace?

Running apps that sync music to your pacing and footsteps have become increasingly popular over the past several years. The key idea behind music-syncing run apps is that they select and play songs that match your running tempo and pace in real time (e.g. playing faster beat songs when you speed up and slower songs when you slow down). By syncing music tempo to your pace, these apps aim to help runners find their groove, maintain motivation, and achieve flow during workouts.

Some of the most well-known running apps with music sync capabilities include RockMyRun, Spotify, Runtastic, Fit Radio, and Runkeeper. These apps analyze your pace based on sensors in your phone or connected wearable device, and then curate playlists to match each phase of your run. While each app has its own unique approach, they all share the common goal of providing an adaptive, personalized soundtrack for your running and workouts.

What is Runkeeper?

Runkeeper is the most popular app that syncs music to running pace. It was originally developed by FitnessKeeper Inc. in 2008 as one of the first apps to track running via GPS. Since 2015, it has been owned by ASICS.

With over 50 million users, Runkeeper is one of the most widely used running apps worldwide. Its key feature is the ability to sync music tempo to your running pace, helping motivate and push runners via an automated, customizable soundtrack.

Beyond music syncing, Runkeeper provides tracking for running, walking, cycling and other activities via GPS and offers features like audio cues, route mapping, workout statistics, goal setting, and more. It is available as a free app for iOS and Android.

According to Tom’s Guide, “Runkeeper is one of the most popular running apps for a reason: it’s free to download, simple to use and is really well designed.” Source

How Runkeeper Syncs Music to Pace

Runkeeper uses the motion sensors in your smartphone, like the accelerometer and GPS, to track your pace in real time as you run. It monitors your cadence and speed and matches songs from your music library to your target pace range, creating a custom playlist that aligns with the tempo of your run.

For example, songs with faster beats per minute will play when you are running faster, while slower songs will play during warm up and cool down. The app aims to pick songs with a tempo that matches your stride so you can find your rhythm. Runkeeper essentially acts as a virtual DJ, mixing songs with the right BPM to match your current pace.

This real-time music syncing helps you maintain a steady tempo and lets you adjust your speed based on the song playing. The customized music experience can motivate you to speed up or slow down. Runkeeper pulls songs from your device’s local music library, Spotify, or other integrated music apps.

Benefits of Syncing Music to Pace

Syncing music to your running pace can provide several benefits that help improve performance and enjoyment.

One major benefit is that music helps motivate and push runners to keep going and maintain their pace. As runners synchronize their strides to the beat of the music, it can spur them to drive harder and prevent slowing down. Music provides a rhythm for runners to lock into so they can zone in on their pace. Studies show that synchronizing movement to a steady beat can enable athletes to optimize efficiency and stamina (https://www.runnersworld.com/training/a23471165/how-much-does-music-help-during-a-run/). The upbeat tempo of faster paced songs provides the momentum to keep pushing forward.

Additionally, music makes running more enjoyable. The combination of music and movement releases endorphins which boost mood. Listening to energetic, motivating music can turn an arduous run into an enjoyable experience. Music serves as a distraction from fatigue and boredom. Many runners report feeling less exertion when running with music. The positive impact on mood and perception of effort makes runners want to exercise more often and for longer periods.

Other Apps that Sync Music to Pace

While Runkeeper was one of the first apps to sync music to your running pace, there are now several other apps that offer similar functionality. Two of the top competitors are RockMyRun and jog.fm.

RockMyRun is an app specifically designed for running and workouts. It provides expertly curated music that automatically adjusts to match your pace based on the app’s algorithms. You can select music based on genre, tempo, and mood to find the perfect motivational workout playlist. RockMyRun has one of the largest catalogs of motivational workout music available in any pace-matching app.

Jog.fm similarly lets you sync your music library or Spotify account and will adjust songs to match your running tempo. It has advanced algorithms to seamlessly blend songs together as your pace changes. You can also customize playlists based on genre, BPM, and other factors. Jog.fm works for running as well as biking and other sports.

While apps like RockMyRun and jog.fm provide robust pace-matching abilities, Runkeeper was one of the first and remains one of the most popular for automatically syncing music to your changing running tempo. However, runners now have several excellent options to find the perfect motivational workout music that matches each foot stride.

Pros and Cons of Runkeeper

Runkeeper has several advantages as a running app that syncs music to your pace, but also some potential downsides to be aware of.

Pros

One major pro of Runkeeper is access to an extensive music library to choose songs from (https://www.tomsguide.com/reviews/runkeeper-app). With over 50 million songs available, you can find plenty of motivating, high tempo tracks to match different running paces and intensities. Runkeeper also allows for fully customizable workouts based on distance, time, pace, or route, with audio cues to guide you through each workout (https://www.garagegymreviews.com/equipment/runkeeper-app).

Cons

A potential downside of Runkeeper is significant battery drain due to constant GPS tracking and music playing. You may need to carry a portable charger for longer runs. There are also occasional complaints about Runkeeper’s music syncing, with music speeding up/slowing down imperfectly with pace changes.

Tips for Using Runkeeper Effectively

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of Runkeeper:

Download playlists in advance to save phone battery life. Runkeeper can drain your battery quickly, especially if you are streaming music. Download your playlist ahead of time over WiFi to conserve battery. This will allow you to listen to music for longer without draining your battery.

Sync other fitness apps like Strava to Runkeeper for more in-depth data analysis. While Runkeeper provides good basic analytics, other apps like Strava offer more detailed insights into your pace, splits, heart rate patterns and more. You can connect Strava and Runkeeper to share data between the apps and get a deeper look at your workouts.

Example Runkeeper Playlists

Runkeeper has curated playlists for different running paces that you can use or customize to your liking. Here are some examples:

Long Run Playlist

For longer, slower runs, you may want something mellow and steady to keep you going. Check out Runkeeper’s Keep Running, Part 1 playlist on Spotify, which features chill rock and rap songs like “Lust for Life” by Iggy Pop and “It Was A Good Day” by Ice Cube.

Tempo Run Playlist

When pushing for a faster tempo pace, uptempo pop and rock can help you find that rhythm. Runkeeper’s Running Tempo 180 BPM playlist includes upbeat hits like “The Middle” by Zedd and “High Hopes” by Panic at the Disco to keep your feet moving.

Interval Run Playlist

For interval running with alternating sprints, you need some pump-up jams. Check out Runkeeper’s Keep Running, Part 2 playlist which mixes in high energy tracks like “Thunderstruck” by AC/DC and “Lose Yourself” by Eminem to push you on the faster intervals.

The Future of Music-Syncing Apps

Music-syncing running apps have a promising future as technology continues to advance. One area of potential growth is syncing music to heart rate rather than just pace. As heart rate tracking becomes more accurate on wearable devices, apps may be able to select songs based on your real-time heart rate during a run. This could allow the music to align better with your body’s intensity level. Apps like Future and Joggo are already experimenting with heart rate syncing features.

Another exciting possibility is integration with virtual reality. Running apps coupled with VR headsets could provide immersive visual environments that transform along with the music. For example, the scenery could get hillier when the beat drops on an upbeat song. This could make running more entertaining and engaging. Companies like Garmin and Strava may eventually expand into VR as the technology evolves.

Conclusion

In summary, Runkeeper is an app that allows runners to sync music to their running pace and cadence. By matching songs to the ideal beats per minute for a runner’s pace, Runkeeper creates motivating and energy efficient playlists. While the app and its integration with music can benefit both beginners and experienced runners who want a more immersive and optimized run, the syncing feature does require some trial and error along with consistently tracked runs in order to effectively match music to the desired pace. Other apps like Spotify offer similar music integration, but Runkeeper’s focus on running and other athletic activities makes it the prime choice for runners who want the perfect playlist. Overall, syncing music and running with apps like Runkeeper has elevated the exercise experience for many athletes looking to get more out of their workout.