When it comes to working out, sometimes it can be difficult. For me, I had a hard time staying focused on the treadmill. It was the end of my workout and I usually just wanted to leave and go eat dinner or do my homework. I would think to myself, “Is this really necessary?” or, “I walked a little, I’m good.” In the back of my mind, I knew that these types of thoughts were damaging to my health. With that in mind, I decided to pick some fast paced tunes and see if they would be enough distraction as I ran/jogged/walked. I used Amazon Prime’s music app and made a playlist out of the current albums I had downloaded. My only requirement was that they were upbeat, catchy, and fast.
Do bear in mind, that my music choices are not all encompassing and that some of these songs are form the same album.
1. Eye of the Tiger
It is an oldie, but it is a goodie. Even if you are just jogging or walking, this song is infectious. How can you not want to work out when you hear this song?
2. Helpless
I’m still in love with Hamilton and probably will be until the end of time. As I began to experiment with what songs helped me stay focused, I immediately turned to this musical for help. The first half of this soundtrack is perfect for working out, but hearing Eliza sing about meeting Alexander for this first time is so upbeat and fun that I cannot do my work out without listening to it.
3. My Shot
Another fantastic song from the Hamilton that is not currently on my running playlist, but will be in the future. This song is about Alexander’s determination to become a better man and to make his mark on the world. Just like Eye of the Tiger, it’s uplifting and infectious as well.
4. Victorious
Panic! At The Disco’s latest album has all the right sounds and few of those songs are on this list. The first selection, however, is Victorious. I can’t help but feel energetic when I hear this song. It makes the tiredness in my legs disappear. And by the end of my run, I can’t help but feel victorious myself.
5. C’mon
I’ve been a fan of Kesha since she first came on to the music scene, and when I was looking for music, hers one was one of the first albums I went to because of all of her songs are energetic and upbeat. This song is one of my favorites to listen to, because I feel like I am about to embark on a short adventure when I listen to it, even though I am going virtually nowhere on the treadmill.
6. Work This Body
Oddly enough, this song is very topical. It is by the band Walk the Moon, popular for the song “Shut Up and Dance.” I always have a smile on my face when I listen to it and the lyrics are really encouraging, even if some of them are in French and I have no idea what they are saying.
7. Wait For It
Another Hamilton song, but this is my absolute favorite song in the entire show. This song is a little mellower than the others on this list, but this is the song I usually start off with. I try to maintain the same pace for the entire song, instead of slowing down. The lyrics are inspirational and helps me take my mind of the actually running that I’m doing. If I ever get lyrics tattooed on my body, they’ll be from this song.
8. LA Devotee
I have no idea what Brendon Urie is singing about, but I love hearing him do it. This my absolute favorite song off of Death of a Bachelor. I don’t exactly know what it is, but I get lost in the music when I listen to it, and sometimes I’ll play it on repeat.
9. My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark
How can I forget to include Fallout Boy? I always joke that their music is the music that wars are fought to, but let me tell you that I’m not far off. Not that fighting a war is akin to jogging, unless the enemy is your body. The beats are great and the music just makes me rock out.
10. Paradise By The Dashboard Light
Another older song, but what can I say? I love me some Meat Loaf. This is no means my favorite song by him, but upbeat and makes me smile as I listen to it, which is all I need when I am working my body to exhaustion.
11. Dirty Love
This song is my favorite on the playlist I created, even though it’s not what I normally go for lyrically. The lyrics are raunchy, but hearing Kesha and Iggy Pop sing together just does something for me. This tempo in this song is the fastest on my playlist, and I often wait till I am almost finished till I play it. I always challenge myself to run faster when I hear it.
There are so many songs that have workout potential, but these are the songs I’ve been listening to these past few months to help me get my body into shape. What songs help you?
