I don’t know about you, but when I’m going hard during my workout, I need a distraction from all the heavy breathing, sore muscles and sweat burning my eyes. That’s when I turn to a trusty pre-workout supplement, which provides me with the extra boost I need. Just when I think I’m going to die and want to quit halfway through the rep, a good song comes on. I’m overcome by the beat and almost forget about the fact that my calves are on fire. A hot track can instantly rejuvenate me. Like a phoenix, I rise from the ashes and slay that last set.
Music and working out go together like peas and carrots and I believe good music is vital to any workout. So if you want the best workout songs to help kickstart or level up your fitness journey, look no further. I’ve put together a workout playlist of some of my favorite songs. My taste in music may be all over the place, but all these tracks were selected because of their upbeat tempos, inspirational lyrics and booty shaking power. Each hit can easily be found and downloaded through Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and most other streaming services. So grab your sneakers, water bottles, and headphones, and let’s get to work!
“Stay” by Justin Bieber and The Kid Laroi
This song from Justin Bieber and newbie The Kid Laroi has one of those hooks you can’t help but sing along to. Their voices blend nicely together and the beat is fun and fast. You’ll soon forget about the beads of sweat dripping down your face.
“Thats What I Want” by Lil Nas X
Ok, Lil Nas X gives me LIFE and his last two singles “Industry Baby” and “Montero” are bangers. With an eclectic catalogue, you never know what kind of song he’s gonna give you. His newest single “Thats What I Want” is the perfect lively tune to help get you through that workout.
“Adrenaline” by The Roots
Ok, being from Philly, I may be a little biased in adding Philly hip hop band The Roots to my list. Most known as being Jimmy Fallon’s house band on The Tonight Show, The Roots have been killin’ it with their ‘live band meets hip hop flair’ for decades. This song is just the right amount of “Adrenaline” to help you level up your workout.
“Tap In” by Saweetie
Take Too Short’s “Blow the Whistle,” and lyrics by one of hip hop’s newest “It Girls” Saweetie, and you have a banger of a workout song. Tip – play this song during a cycling class. You won’ regret it.
“Who’s In Your Head” by the Jonas Brothers
The Jonas Brothers are back with their latest single from song writing duo Max Martin and Rami Yacoub. It combines a good beat and catchy lyrics, and will keep you moving. Warning, the chorus is so good, you may not be able to get it out of your head.
“Levitating” by Dua Lipa
We know what you’re thinking, Dua Lipa is EVERYWHERE! And you’re right, she is! Her album Future Nostalgia contains hit after hit. Even though all her songs are my jam, I have to go with “Levitating.” This track may have been out for a while, but it still holds its own.
“Shivers” by Ed Sheeran
This song gives me all the “Shivers.” This sexy track was made to dance and workout to. I guarantee you’ll get lost in Sheeran’s voice and will slay the rest of your routine.
“Work B**ch” by Britney Spears
Ms. Spears tells it like it is, “You want a hot body? You want a Bugatti? You want a Maserati? You better work, b**ch.” So pump up your resistance and increase that speed, because to get what you want… “You better work, b**ch.”
“Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
This will forever be my favorite hit from Queen. From the moment that opening beat drops I’m hooked. Throw in Freddie Mercury’s powerful voice, elements of funk and rock, and bam, you have a powerhouse of a workout anthem.
“Dynamite” by BTS
Please try and tell me this song by BTS doesn’t stimulate you to the core. The kings of K-pop have taken the world by storm with their bubblegum pop sound and dynamic lyrics. Now go “Light it up like dynamite and finish those reps!”
“Up” by Cardi B
I love Cardi B. Her flow is flawless and her songs are all hits. My cycling teacher played this one in class the other day, and she had the entire room “Up” and burning crazy amounts of calories. This song may short, but it packs a sweet punch.
“Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga
This oldie from Lady Gaga NEVER gets old and always makes me want to move my body. This song is great for cardio, especially HIIT. As your muscles are dying during that high intensity interval, “Bad Romance” swoops in to save the day. This tune is the spinach to your Popeye.
“Get Me Bodied” by Beyoncé
You can’t talk about a workout playlist without including Queen Bey. The “hardest working woman in show business” has a catalogue of hits all perfect to help you level up and set your best time yet. With such a vast selection to choose from, I had to go with “Get Me Bodied” because it gets me hype!
“Telephone” by Lady Gaga and Beyoncé
I had to add this duet from Gaga and Bey. This dance/pop song is exactly what you think, FIRE! Between the fierce lyrics and Bey’s verse-rap, this jam will get your heart racing and the fat burning.
“Wow” by Post Malone
Is it just me or every time you hear Post Malone you just wanna dance? This track written by Malone is one of my go-to workout songs. Everything from the beat, to the lyrics to Post Malone’s voice keep me going.
“Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
There’s a reason every one of my cycling teachers has this song on rotation. The number of tempo changes and song length, make for a great addition to any HIIT/cardio playlist. No one can hold you back as you let Ryan Lewis and Macklemore take you on a musical journey filled with piano solos, vibrant beats and foot stomping gospel harmonies.
“Started From the Bottom” by Drake
Any good workout playlist needs a Drake hit. He’s got that magic touch when it comes to music and taking any mood from a 1 to 10. If you’re looking for a reminder of how far you’ve come in your fitness journey, add this song to your mix. He’ll give you the boost of energy needed to push through those last few reps.
“Body” by Megan Thee Stallion
With lyrics like, “I could build a house with all the brick I got…” this anthem about praising your body is a HELL YES! Listening to this body-positive hit while exercising makes me thank every inch of my body for getting me through this workout… and for looking so cute in my outfit.
“Work” by Ciara and Missy Elliot
This dance song is filled with nonstop energy, and is exactly what you need to keep moving during a workout. And for some extra motivation, watch Ciara dance her behind off in the video. My knees hurt just thinking about her dropping it like it’s hot every second.
“Water Me” by Lizzo
I’m bringing it back to Lizzo’s Cuz I Love You album for this uplifting track. This energetic song is all about empowerment and self-love. Lizzo sings, “I am my inspiration (get up)” and she’s right. You’re your biggest cheerleader so get up and push through the pain. You got this!
“Hard” by Rihanna and Jeezy
I know Rihanna has sooo many hits, how could you choose just one. I went with “Hard” because the lyrics remind me of how powerful and strong I really am. So powerful and strong in fact that I’m about to crush this workout. Yup, thanks RiRi for the reminder.
“Fade” by Kanye West, Post Malone and Ty Dolla Sign
If hip hop and house music had a baby, it would be “Fade.” The song from Kanye West, Post Malone, and Ty Dolla Sign is perfect for lifting weights, the stair master or climbing in a cycling class. And thinking about Teyana Taylor’s tight and toned body in the video is all the motivation I need to step it up.
“Livin’ On a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
This 80s anthem is so good it’s still played at bars and weddings to this day. The rock hit tells the love story of working-class couple Tommy and Gina. Their romance is narrated through elements of rock and pop, with Jon Bon Jovi’s powerhouse voice serving as the cherry on top.
“Twerk” by City Girls and Cardi B
Did you know twerking can burn between 5- 8 calories per minute? If there was ever a song that will make you want to drop it like it’s hot on the gym floor, it’s this jam from City Girls and Cardi B. If you don’t know how to “Twerk,” just let the beat take you and you’ll be an expert by the end of this song.
“Hold On, We’re Going Home” by Drake
Ok, I had to add Drake twice on here. Come on, have you heard his catalog!? This song is an absolute must for your workout playlist. It’s set to sick beats making it the perfect track to slow down your heart rate for a yoga flow, warm-up, or cool-down stretch.
This article contains affiliate links.
