Music has been used to arouse and energize people for years (Armstrong & Young, 1999). For example, it has been utilized to provide inspiration to a team during a warm-up, give rhythm to an exercise class, or motivate an athlete during performance. Copeland & Franks (1991) found that soft, slow music reduced physiological arousal during submaximal exercise. On the contrary, Patton (1992) found that music preference had no significant effect on heart rate during aerobic classes. While researchers have investigated bench press biomechanics (Algar, 1986; Gillett, 1981; McLaughin & Madsen, 1984), none have examined the effects of music. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of up-tempo music on arousal as measured by heart rate (HR), bar movement time and bar vertical velocity during a near maximum bench press. Twelve participants from a collegiate strength and conditioning class who had at least 6 weeks of supervised lifting experience were recruited to participate in this study. Following a familiarization session, subjects were tested at a near maximum level (90%). Trials were randomized and consisted of a no music condition (NMC) and a music condition (MC). The trials were no closer than three days apart. A 60 Hz camera was used to record 2D kinematics of the bar. Data were analyzed via Peak Motus (Ver. 7, Englewood, CO). HR was measured using E600 Polar® Heart Rate Monitor System (Woodbury, NJ). To determine significant differences in HR, bar movement time, and bar vertical velocity mean values, paired samples t-tests were used (p < .05). This study was approved by the university’s IRB. Although HR was not significantly different between the MC and NMC (t(10) = -1.8, p = .10), it was higher in the MC (96.6 + 20.9 bpm vs. 90.1 + 18.2 bpm). Similarly, while bar movement time and bar vertical velocity were not significantly different between groups, t(10) = 1.4, p = .20 and t(10) = -1.2, p = .28, respectively, the MC produced changes. Specifically, bar movement time was lower (1.72 + 0.3s vs. 1.88 + 0.3s), and bar vertical velocity was faster (0.29 + 0.1m/s vs. 0.25 + 0.1m/s). These results may have practical applications, indicating that up-tempo music may have desirable influences on arousal level. The increase in arousal level could positively affect bench press performance by improving bar movement time and vertical velocity. Keyword(s): athletics/sports, coaching, performance