There are a few things that can really amplify a workout. Crushing it with a friend, for starters. Lacing up a fresh pair of sneakers. And perhaps a crowd favorite: cranking the beats.
The right workout playlist can make a huge difference on your next sweat session. One study published in the Journal of Sports Exercise Psychology found that music may change the way that you respond to fatigue—and even boost your endurance. Plus, other research has shown that tunes can make you feel more powerful.
A recent study even showed that participants who listened to music they deemed “pleasing” had higher levels of serotonin, known as the “feel-good” hormone. Combine that with a workout, which already amps up your endorphins, and you’ll really be treating your body right.
Looking for the perfect soundtrack for your next sweat? Check out these playlists for running, cycling, lifting, and yoga—excellent to help you rock your workout.
Best Workout Songs For Running
The songs in this category hover around the standard BPM (beats per minute) cadence for logging miles, which is roughly between 170 and 180.
1. “Girl on Fire (Inferno Version)” by Alicia Keys
From the moment Nicki Minaj starts rapping to kick off this track, it’s absolute fire. There’s nothing like a woman telling you that you are capable of lighting things up.
2. “Energy (Wellman Remix)” by Drake
When the beat drops at around the 1:00 mark, you’ll be ready to bring your pace up another notch.
3. “High Hopes” by Panic! At the Disco
At 2:20 when the beat goes away and Brendon Urie’s voice rings through, we won’t judge you if you start that head-bop, run maneuver.
4. “Back to Delilah (Remix)” by Florence + the Machine and Drake
Anything Florence + the Machine touches is gold, but combine it with a Drake rap verse or two, and you’ve got endorphin-worthy perfection.
5. “Finest Hour” by Cash Cash featuring Abir
Every time the chorus hits in this track, it’s dynamite. Abir, a Morocco-born, New York-based artist, has got a voice that will send chills down your spine.
6. “A Thousand Miles (Scooter Hype White Girl Surprise Intro)” by Vanessa Carlton
If you thought your days of listening to Vanessa Carlton ended in high school, think again. Enter this remix of her classic, “A Thousand Miles,” which brings a new trap vibe.
7. “Run This Town” by Jay-Z featuring Rihanna
The name of this one says it all. Let Rihanna and Jay-Z inspire you toward a new PR.
8. “Burn” by Ellie Goulding
Ellie Goulding herself is a fitspiration. Aside from her stellar music, the singer once told Women’s Health that her go-to workout is Barry’s Bootcamp, filled with a whole lot of running.
9. “Apeshit” by The Carters
Beyonce + Jay Z = does it get any more stellar? This power couple knows a thing or two about creating beats perfect for 100-percent badassery.
10. “7 Rings” by Ariana Grande
“I want it/I got it,” Ariana sings. Female empowerment, FTW.
11. “Genius (Lil Wayne Remix)” by LSD featuring Lil Wayne, Sia, Diplo, and Labrinth
With so many powerhouse artists on one track, you’ve got a crazy sound that’s ideal for cruising at your goal pace.
Best Workout Songs For Spin
Perfect for everything from sprints to slow climbs, these songs have a good range of BPM to bring you through a 45–minute session.
1. “If I Can’t Have You” by Shawn Mendes
This is the ideal song to kick off a spin class. At around 2:40, Mendes serves serious chills with his vibes as his voice takes over, sans background beats.
2. “Pony (Jump On It)” by Ginuwine
Okay, at first listen this song may make you think of Magic Mike. If that imagery doesn’t encourage you to pick up your cadence, I don’t know what will.
3. “DJ Turn It Up” by Yellow Claw
This. Song. Is. Made. For. Speed. Combine the quick beat with the beat drop, and you’ll be ready to move your legs as fast as possible.
4. “No Diggity (Fare Solid Remix)” by Blackstreet
The original of this song is so, so good. But the remix? With this in your ears, you’ll be ready to take the podium in no time.
5. “Stay (Scooter Mix)” by Alessia Cara
Perfect for a sprint in the saddle, Alessia Cara serves up a strong woman mood, as always—which I’m totally on board with.
6. “I Like It (Dillon Francis Remix)” by Cardi B
Get up and ready to jog out of the saddle. This Cardi B track has the perfect amount of hype to dance out your worries on the bike.
7. “Good Old Days” by Macklemore feat. Kesha
Sometimes you have those songs that come on in Spin class where you just close your eyes, ride to the beat, and be. This is one of those.
8. “New Level (Meaux Green Remix)” by A$AP Ferg
Just like the title says, be ready to level up with this hip-hop spin favorite.
9. “Indian Summer” by Jai Wolf
This is sweat standard. You’ve more than likely heard this song in a workout class but never knew the artist or name. So, you’re welcome.
10. Bounce by Logic
Do what the song says, feel your feelings, and leave the rest of your problems at the door.
11. “Innerbloom” by Rufus Du Sol
This song doesn’t feature a lot of words, but it does give you that oh-so-good vibe to help you conquer the world.
Best Workout Songs For Yoga
It’s time to turn down, just a little bit. These slower, soulful beats are the perfect tracks to take you through your next sun salutation.
1. “Field Below” by Regina Spektor
And, exhale. When you’ve made it to your mat and Regina Spektor is playing, all that matters is your practice. The rest can wait.
2. “True Colors” by Jules Larson
This Tracy Chapman cover will help you feel instantly relaxed.
3. “Free Fallin’” by John Mayer
A total yoga must, John Mayer takes the Tom Petty original to a whole new, calm vibe.
4. “Brooklyn In the Summer” by Aloe Blacc
Aloe Blacc has the sort of voice that is smooth like silk.
5. “I Was Made for Loving You” by Tori Kelly
There’s something so therapeutic about Tori Kelly’s vocals on this track. Perfect for upward dog or date night, we have a hunch this will be on your regular rotation soon.
6. “Mirror” by Madison Ryann Ward
She’s bluesy and soulful, with a hint of folk, rap, and gospel. Former athlete Madison Ryann Ward has a rare talent that will give you goosebumps.
7. “Beyond” by Leon Bridges
Put this on during savasana and relax to the low, charming tones of Leon.
8. “Cold Little Heart” by Michael Kiwanuka
It may make you think of Big Little Lies, but this is the perfect mid-flow track to help you pick up the pace.
9. “Missin’ You Crazy” by Russ
This lazy R&B track makes us think of cozying up on a rainy day. Or, taking a few deep breaths in downward dog works, too.
10. “Little Lion Man” by Mumford and Sons
This jam is for the finale, that part of your practice where you are ready to push yourself to the max before dialing it back down for a little meditation.
Best Workout Songs For Lifting
Consisting of mostly hip-hop, these bass-heavy tracks are just the right groove to be picking things up and putting them down.
1. “Nonstop” by Drake
Go on. Keep going. Drake knows you can.
2. “No Problem” by Chance the Rapper
Just like how you’ll feel when you stand in front of the weight rack and think: Yeah, I can lift that.
3. “Wish Wish” by DJ Khaled featuring Cardi B
Warning: This may just make you drop the weights and start dancing mid-set.
4. Bo$ by Fifth Harmony
If the shoe fits.
5. “Sicko Mode” by Travis Scott featuring Drake
Hype? Check.
6. “Humble.” by Kendrick Lamar
This song features the perfect beat to crank out rep after rep, while feeling like a total badass. But still, you know…humble.
7. “Bulletproof” by La Roux
Third and final set, this is your track to kick it into high gear. It’s okay to sing along, too.
8. “I Can” by Nas
Just like the song says: If you work hard, you’ll be where you want to be.
Ready to put this playlist to the test? Try it out alongside this full body strength workout:
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