When it comes to working out it can be hard to get in the zone and keep yourself motivated. Music is one of the best motivators, and with so many workout music stations one would think it’d be easy to find one that works for you. In my experience this is harder than expected since a lot of workout playlists tend to have the same music, and don’t really have music that is in genres I like. This list has a variety of songs to get you on the right track. Use these suggestions to find songs that may not be conventionally suited for working out, but gets you pumped and ready to go!
“How Deep Is Your Love” – Calvin Harris & Disciples
Whether you’re running, biking or going hard on the elliptical, this song will keep you going and push you further. Dance music in particular is a good bet when making a workout playlist so look for songs like this one to get you in the zone.
“Halfway There” – Big Time Rush
This is a combo of throwback (2010 is kind of a throwback, come on) and teen pop hit. It’s the perfect song to push you through a tough workout! With the lyrics “When the chips are down, back against the wall, got no more to give, cause we gave it all. Seems like going the distance is unrealistic, but we’re too far from the start,” it’ll push you to get in those last ten sit ups or run that extra mile to reach your goal. Plus: “Elevate” is another song by Big Time Rush that would be a great addition to your workout playlist.
“Lean On” – Major Lazer feat. MØ & DJ Snake
This is another example of how electronic music is well suited for working out and keeping your energy up. The beat in this is steady, but it’s energetic enough to keep you on your feet and moving. The lyrics are catchy and, like all great gym tunes, the beat is fast and can keep you on your toes!
“Levels” – Nick Jonas
As if Nick Jonas’ voice isn’t reason enough to listen to him regardless of what activity you’re doing, he’s come out with this song that’s perfect for the gym. It has a fast paced beat and a building volume. It’s great for getting yourself in the zone to get on the treadmill and run or “keep on climbin up” on the elliptical.
“Fight Song” – Rachel Platten
This has become an instant hit both because of the message – it promotes of girl power – but also because it has awesome instrumentals in the background that are equally as powerful. The lyrics and the music itself make this song by Platten a great workout jam. Who doesn’t love a good girl power song to make you feel like you can take on the world?
“Shut Up and Dance” – WALK THE MOON
The beat to this stays at the same level which is already crazy high and fast paced. WALK THE MOON may have meant this as a song to dance to, as evident by the lyrics, but this could easily motivate someone to hit the punching bag or go through a quick round of push-ups. Plus, even if you’re just dancing to it, that’s a work out in itself!
“Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
Even though this song has become extremely overplayed, it probably still gets you moving if even just a little. Now imagine listening to the fast talking Bruno Mars over an even faster beat while running or in your Zumba class. I for one am sick of this song, but I still can’t resist dancing to it or putting it on when I’m on the treadmill. Trust me on this one, this hit is definitely worth it.
“Colors” – Halsey
This isn’t the fastest paced song, but the beat is definitely astounding and easy to jam to. Whether I’m sitting on my bed doing homework or at the gym riding the stationary bicycle, listening to this always gets me to zone out enough that I only focus on the lyrics and whatever I’m doing. Halsey’s song all have this quality of being slower in beat but still loud enough and complex enough that they get in your head while pushing the world and your worries out.
“Sex” – The 1975
This song is crazy catchy, mainly because of the beat being so fast and the lead singer Matt’s delivery being so compatible with the beat. The drums in the background are what really make the beat that much more enticing and blood pumping. Try running to this song, I promise it’ll get you going that much faster and singing along at the same time (don’t ask me how, it must be the magic of The 1975).
“Touchin, Lovin” – Trey Songz feat. Nicki Minaj
Admittedly, I am a pretty huge Trey Songz fan. So most of his songs I can easily get pumped to simply because of his voice. This one in particular gets me pumped because of the intensity of the lyrics and the beat. The lyrics are very sexually charged and the beat is steady but easy to jam to, so working out to this is surprisingly fun.