I think this soley depends on what type of music you are listening to as to whether it causes distraction or not. Im really into my electronica music but namely house music. Not the rave genre but something with a funky groove. Depending on what excercise im doing, lets say jogging ill usually use a more harder edged form of house that makes me feel like i need to get down and work this jog out. At the time listening to it i totally feel elevated, liberated and free to do what i want. A runners high and i can really really push myself.
I do wonder if theres a psycology behind the beat. I enter a state and the beats run at around 125 bpm.
If your interested in checking out a mix i have some on my podcast at
Jackin House Music.
Ill upload one tonight thats a bit more tailored for excercise lol