While we all make New Year's resolutions to go to the gym more often and are all ready in our workout gear every January 2nd, we know that going to the gym once is much easier than going every day. Once the later part of January rolls around, we are going very rarely, if at all. It took me a long time before working out really became my lifestyle but part of what motivated me to stay was to make a great workout playlist each time.
So, as somebody who spends an awful lot of time in the gym, here are 30 songs to add to workout playlist that may make you want to come to the gym tomorrow, and the day after that...
1. "X Gon Give It To Ya" by DMX
Whenever I listen to this song whether I'm running or on the elliptical, I have measured that my pace is faster when this song is playing. 'Nuff said.
2. "Run This Town" by Rihanna, Jay-Z, and Kanye West
A popular backing track for hype videos, this song is sure to hype just about anybody up, even in the most exhausting part of the workout.
3. "Runaway" by Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran can write love songs, Irish folk songs, pop songs, rap songs, R&B songs...and songs that will make you WANT to stay on the treadmill for a few extra minutes.
4. "Heart of Glass" by Blondie
This 1979 pop hit was on my warm-up playlist when I would do track workouts, and I actually extended my warm-up sometimes so that the song would finish.
5. "Extraordinary Girl" by Green Day
As a fan of alternative music, I usually will listen to Green Day when I exercise. However, I believe that this song is one of the best for anyone to listen to when working out.
6. "Electric Lady" by Justin Timberlake
J.T. has many tunes that will make you pedal faster, but in my opinion, this lesser-known song from his "The 20/20 Experience--2 of 2" album transcends them all.
7. "Temperature" by Sean Paul
This song is a common addition to workout playlists for obvious reasons. Needless to say, it is always included on my playlists as well.
8. "Monster" by Kanye West, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Bon Iver, and Rick Ross
This rap epic was an integral part of my running and stationary biking playlists. In fact, I was able to master all of the lyrics to it because of how many times I listened to it. Make it a goal to work out enough times to learn the whole song!
9. "Take Your Time (Do It Right)" by The S.O.S. Band
An oldie but a goodie, this disco classic has been on my playlists and actually played in the gym. I'd like to think that says something about this song's timelessness.
10. "Flawless (Remix)" by Beyonce and Nicki Minaj
The version with just Beyonce is a great choice as well, but in what is personally one of my favorite Nicki Minaj features, I think the remix is best for your gym days.
11. "Numb/Encore" by Linkin Park and Jay-Z
The only thing better than one quality workout song is a combination of two quality workout songs into one. This mashup is exactly that.
12. "We Will Rock You" by Queen
Decades later, this hit remains THE hype song for sporting events or workouts. Your playlist would be incomplete without it or you may want to add the "We Will Rock You/We Are The Champions" medley instead.
13. "No Hands" by Waka Flocka Flame feat. Roscoe and Wale
OK, maybe this is a "bar song" or a "club song" but you can't deny that it still is great workout music. Fun fact: I ran a personal best in track after warming up to this song.
14. "Blind Man" by Black Stone Cherry
Somewhat of a rock/metal/country hybrid, this jam is an excellent way to shake up your workout playlist with some variety in song genres. Take a break from hip-hop/rap and infuse this song in your next trip to the gym.
15. "Lose Yourself" by Eminem
It is not a workout playlist without this throwback song. Whenever I listened to this song before a game or a meet, I always performed better.
16. "London Bridge" by Fergie
Fergie's catalog of songs is definitely workout-friendly, but from experience, this song definitely pumps me up the most when I hit the gym or the track.
17. "Let It Rock" by Kevin Rudolf and Lil Wayne
Even my mom (who is quite a bit older than I am and not typically a fan of hip-hop) enjoys this song. If that statement tells you anything, it tells you that listening to this song *just might* make you look forward to exercising.
18. "DNA" by Little Mix
I'll admit that this tune is definitely an earworm (at least for me) but nonetheless it is definitely worthy of a place on your playlist.
19. "House of Gold" by twenty one pilots
This song is my *hands down* favorite twenty one pilots song for many reasons. Perhaps one of the reasons is its ability to help me power through workouts.
20. "The Loco-Motion" by Grand Funk Railroad
An oldie that has been covered MANY times, the 1974 Grand Funk Railroad version definitely deserves a coveted spot on your playlist.
21. "Let's Hear It For The Boy" by Deniece Williams
This hit from "Footloose" is timeless in its ability to motivate you during a sweat session. In fact, you might be tempted to dance as they do in the movie--or maybe that's just me.
22. "T.N.T." by AC/DC
Spice up your playlist with some heavy metal. And no heavy metal artist is better for hitting the gym than AC/DC. While many of their songs would work, I personally think this one is the best.
23. "Mo Bamba" by Sheck Wes
Cliche, I know, but I could not leave this song out. Love it or hate it, the overwhelmingly catchy beat will keep you working hard.
24.) "Bang Bang" by Jessie J, Ariana Grande, and Nicki Minaj
A collaboration of three female pop icons, this song is a great choice to keep you going as you hit the gym.
25. "Whatever It Takes" by The Imagine Dragons
It is safe to say that this Imagine Dragons hit is among one of the best songs for working out. From the first time I heard it, I knew that it would make its way onto every workout mix I make from now on.
26. "Gas Pedal" by Sage the Gemini feat. Justin Bieber and Iamsu!
Repetitive? Yes. Catchy and perfect for when you're exercising (especially when you are LITERALLY pedaling)? Absolutely.
27. "Beautiful, Dirty Rich" by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga provides another great array of workout music ranging from her radio hits to her lesser known songs. I personally enjoy this one when I exercise.
28. "Smooth Criminal" by Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson has produced a variety of songs you can listen to next time you go to the gym but let's face it: "Smooth Criminal" reigns supreme for its captivating beat.
29. "So What" by P!nk
I always incorporate P!nk into my workout mixes, and I must say that this tune is one of the best to keep you motivated and working hard.
30. "Survivor" by Destiny's Child
You cannot go wrong with this anthem. You ESPECIALLY cannot go wrong with this anthem when you are trying to endure the tiring final minutes of your workout. You are a survivor!
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