Pump-up or cool down, researchers say, the 'zone' is real and music helps athletes get there . The music athletes listen to before, during, and after an event can affect their performance according to research done by sports psychologists.

Playing an instrument has many benefits – learning self-discipline, strengthening mental capacity, and spreading the joy of music, just to name a few. And research shows that these benefits aren’t just for kids. Musicians of any age can take advantage of the physical and emotional health benefits of playing an instrument. It doesn’t matter what instrument you choose to play, either! Keep reading to discover how the act of playing music can drastically improve your overall health.

Did you know that core strength is important for your child's performance in the classroom? Without a stable core, your child may struggle to sit still at a desk and to carry out fine motor tasks. This in turn may affect concentration and the quality of written work.

Think of your core muscles as the sturdy central link in a chain connecting your upper and lower body. Whether you're hitting a tennis ball or mopping the floor, the necessary motions either originate in your core, or move through it. No matter where motion starts, it ripples upward and downward to adjoining links of the chain. Thus, weak or inflexible core muscles can impair how well your arms and legs function. And that saps power from many of the moves you make. Properly building up your core cranks up the power.

While it may be good motivation, rocking a beach-worthy bod isn’t the only reason to get your torso in shape. After all, your core is about more than just your ab muscles, it’s your body’s powerhouse. Not only does it facilitate movement, but it also houses your inner organs and central nervous system. In other words, it helps you do just about everything.