You’ve probably heard that old saying, “music is the key to the soul.” Turns out, that’s actually true! Music has long been used as a form of therapy, and it can be a powerful tool when it comes to working out. Not only does music help to motivate us and keep us going, but it can also help to distract us from any pain or discomfort we may be feeling.
So if you’re looking for a way to make your next workout even more effective, consider creating the ultimate workout playlist! In this blog post, we’ll give you some tips on how to do just that.
Psst… And if you want to skip to the good stuff, just head to the bottom of this post and download the playlist we’ve designed for a variety of killer workout sessions.
Why does music improve workout performance?
While the endorphins might be bursting during a strenuous workout, there’s still going to be that nagging feeling of wanting to give up when times get tough. Music is one of the best distractions when it comes to taking your mind off tiresome or painful stretches.
Music can also affect your workout performance in the following ways:
- Improve your athletic performance
- Reduces fatigue
- Boosts mood
- Faster sprints
- It can make exercise feel shorter as well as easier
- Can influence your heart rate
- May make you work harder
Tips for creating the ultimate workout playlist
- Before you create a playlist, calculate your pace
The first step in creating a badass workout playlist is to think about your goals. What kind of workout are you doing?
If you're running, you'll want some fast-paced songs to keep you moving and get the blood pumping. Creating a playlist for interval training can be a life-saver when it comes to pacing yourself by timing songs for the peak or cool down. If you're lifting weights, then heavier rock or metal songs might be more appropriate.
The easiest way to build a playlist based on your workout is to understand the beats per minute (BPM).
- Running: between 100 and 160 BPM, on average
- Cycling: between 90 and 10 BPM depending on incline and intensity
- Yoga, pilates or Thai Chi: 100 - 140 BPM
- Weightlifting and powerlifting: between 90 and 144 BPM
- Zumba or dance: 130 to 170 BPM
So now that you know how intense you can expect a workout can be, start tinkering with some jams that match the intensity of your movements.
Our top tip: If you’re a runner or cyclist, you know how annoying it can be to wear a tangly piece of ear equipment just to enjoy your music. Kill two birds with one stone and opt for Lucyd Bluetooth sports glasses that allow you to effortless listen to music and skip and pause tracks, all while protecting your eyes.
- Build a playlist to match the arc of the class
Before you head out for your workout, take some time to consider how much time you have for a workout, and how intense you’d prefer it to be. If you’re running, spend about 5-10 minutes warming up the muscles before jumping to the intensity.
Once the warm-up is done, the fun can begin! Choose a variety of songs to keep things interesting, and make sure to include some upbeat tracks that will help push you through those challenging exercises.
Once the peak of the workout is done, add in some slower jams to provide contrast and keep you moving. These songs can also be used as recovery periods between more vigorous sets or during stretches.
- Make it your own
Personalize it! Creating a workout playlist isn’t like the one you’d be creating for a day at the office. Now’s your chance to have a little fun and let your hair down. Include songs that make you feel good and motivate you.
- Give new music a try
It can be tough giving new music a try, but there’s no better time than during a workout. It can be fun and rewarding to try out some new music during your workout to help mix up your workout plan and get your heart pumping in new ways.
What are the top 10 workout songs?
Sometimes all you need is the right music to get you out of your exercise-less rut. And let’s be honest, we could always use a little pick-me-up when it comes to adding some inspiring workout jams to our playlist.
We’ve put together 10 of the most banging songs for a pumped-up workout.
- “God Is a Dancer” Tiësto and Mabel
- “Raising Hell” Kesha feat. Big Freedia
- “'Til I Collapse” Eminem
- “Good As Hell” Lizzo
- “Stronger” Kanye West
- “Lose Yourself” Eminem
- “Ready For It?” Taylor Swift
- “Bruised Not Broken,” Matoma feat. MNEK and Kiana Ledé
- “Sicko Mode” Travis Scott
- “Industry Baby” Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow
Best workout songs playlist
We’ve designed it with workout for the everyday fitness enthusiast in mind. Enjoy a mellow workout before the jams arrive to take your workout to the next level. And after a fire workout, enjoy the sweetness of some delicious cool down tracks.
