20 of the Best Workout Songs for Your Gym Playlist
In the pulsating world of fitness, where every beat counts, your choice of music can make or break your workout. But the perfect gym playlist isn’t just about catchy tunes—though that certainly helps! The perfect gym playlist is about creating an experience that will take your energy, focus, and motivation up a notch. So, whether it's a high-energy playlist to fuel your cardio sessions or a mellow compilation for post-workout cooldowns, the power to curate your gym experience is in your hands. After all, who knows you better than you know yourself?
Let's dive into the art—and science—of putting together the best workout songs for your gym playlist, ensuring every step, rep, and lift is synced to the rhythm of success.
What Makes a Good Workout Playlist?
A good workout playlist is more than a random assortment of songs—it's a carefully crafted ensemble designed to propel you through your workout. Consistency in vibes and tempo sets the stage, while a diverse collection of genres and artists ensures there's enough variety to keep you moving.
Whether it's the infectious beats that boost your heart rate or the uplifting lyrics that fuel your determination, the best workout songs are those that resonate with you on a personal level. Embrace the freedom to experiment and create different playlists for various workouts.
Want to make things even more interesting? You can always ask friends, fellow gym-goers or the helpful Team Members at Planet Fitness for playlist inspo that gives them that extra motivational push. You may open yourself up to new songs or music genres that you can add as part of your next workout!
How Can Music Enhance a Workout?
Music and exercise go hand in hand. The perfect distraction from a particularly grueling workout? Of course! But music also contributes to a more efficient workout. From keeping you focused to keeping pace, the right playlist can transform your everyday gym session into the ultimate experience.
Did you know the power of music is even backed by research? You read that right! According to an article from Scientific American, “Music distracts people from pain and fatigue, elevates mood, increases endurance, reduces perceived effort and may even promote metabolic efficiency. When listening to music, people run farther, bike longer, and swim faster than usual—often without realizing it.”
Additionally, music stirs emotions, allowing the lyrics or a particularly invigorating instrumental break to boost your motivation and ultimately your stamina. Push yourself past your limits and hit those new personal records! As your heart beats in harmony with the rhythm, the increased blood flow will energize your body and your mind, making sure you're primed for peak performance.
Finding Your Gym Playlist Vibe
Just like fitness goals vary from person to person, so too do musical preferences. Whether you're a die-hard fan of hard rock or find solace in soothing classical melodies, there's a gym playlist vibe that's uniquely yours.
Don't be afraid to explore different genres and tempos until you discover what resonates with your unique workout routine. Check out resources like curated workout playlists and consider the beats per minute (BPM) of each track to tailor your selection to the intensity of your exercise. The goal is to find the perfect harmony between music and movement.
Cardio
A well-designed gym playlist is essential for maximizing performance and motivation during different workouts. For high-intensity cardio workouts like HIIT routines, you’ll want to choose songs with high-energy tempos and driving rhythms, such as pop, electronic dance music, and hip-hop.
Strength Training
For strength training, a strong, steady beat and powerful lyrics can be helpful to push you through your workout, with genres like rock, metal, and rap being popular choices. A BPM of around 120-140 is ideal for maintaining a consistent rhythm through your reps and sets and maximizing muscular endurance.
Yoga
A playlist for yoga and stretching should create a serene atmosphere that promotes relaxation and focus during your practice. Songs with soothing melodies, gentle rhythms, and calming vocals are ideal for these routines. Ambient, instrumental, and acoustic genres are ideal for yoga and stretching, providing a soothing backdrop for introspection and inner peace. A BPM of around 60-100 is ideal for the slow, deliberate movements of yoga and stretching.
Cool-Down
A cool-down and recovery playlist should reflect calm and tranquility, with soft melodies and gentle rhythms to help lower heart rate, reduce muscle tension, and promote relaxation. Lo-fi beats and chill-out music are perfect for these sessions, offering a peaceful soundtrack as your workout winds down.
By changing up your playlist depending on your routine, you can enhance your performance and mood throughout your workout—all while achieving your fitness goals! Don’t forget to have some fun with it too. Experiment with different tempos, genres, or songs to find the perfect combination to supercharge your workouts and push you past your limits.
Why is Workout Music Important?
Workout music isn't just background noise—though that can definitely be one of its functions. Instead, consider using music as a strategic tool to elevate your workout.
Because what’s typically the biggest problem when working out? The creeping feeling of pain and fatigue toward the end of a session. That’s where music comes in! It can distract you from the physical sensations you are feeling and push through the discomfort.
But distraction isn’t the only benefit. Music can alter your perception of time, making even the hardest workouts feel like they go by in a snap. With each beat, music can ignite your passion and determination, driving up electrical activity in your brain. Your body will actually sync up to the beat of your songs. The right playlist isn’t just about setting the vibe—it’s about taking your performance to the next level.
20 Best Workout Songs for Your Gym Playlist
While the definition of the "best" workout songs definitely varies from person to person, we have a few faves that we recommend for your next workout at home or in the gym. From anthems of empowerment to timeless classics, these songs pack a punch and fuel your determination with every note.
Throw a few of these upbeat and motivational gems onto your gym playlist:
- Good As Hell by Lizzo
- Push It by Salt N Peppa
- I Don’t Care by Ed Sheeran ft. Justin Bieber
- My Oh My by Camila Cabello
- Blood, Sweat, and Tears by Ava Max
- I Win by Lethal Bizzle ft. Skepta
- Don’t Stop the Music by Rihanna
- …Ready For It? by Taylor Swift
- Jungle by X Ambassadors
- Survivor by Destiny’s Child
- Lose Control by Missy Elliott ft. Ciara and Fatman Scoop
- Sweet Child O' Mine by Guns N Roses
- All I Do Is Win – DJ Khaled ft. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Rick Ross
- Wake Me Up by Avicii
- Pump It by Black Eyed Peas
- Lose Yourself by Eminem
- Sicko Mode by Travis Scott
- Can’t Be Tamed by Miley Cyrus
- Numb/Encore by Linkin Park ft. Jay-Z
- Remember the Name by Fort Minor
For even more inspo, check out the specially-curated playlists on the Planet Fitness Spotify page, with options for whatever mood you’re in.
Planet Fitness Prioritizes the Tunes
At Planet Fitness, we know the important role music plays in motivating gym-goers, so if you forget your earbuds, don’t fret—we spend time creating perfect playlists for you to enjoy when you’re working out in the club. By playing a mix of genres and artists, we make sure there is something for everyone, from pop anthem fans to hip-hop enthusiasts and rock aficionados.
Plus, we know the importance of tempo in driving momentum and energy during workouts. That’s why Planet Fitness’ gym playlists cater to different exercise intensities and preferences. Whether you're seeking an adrenaline-fueled sprint on the treadmill or a steady rhythm for weightlifting, you'll find a song that syncs perfectly with your workout.
Planet Fitness’ Community Playlist
Yet, even with the diverse selection of tunes, PF understands that individual tastes vary, and what resonates with one person may not necessarily appeal to another.
If you want to get in on the action and have a say of what plays in the gym, download the Rockbot Request app to request music at select PF locations*! The right music can make all the difference.
In the symphony of sweat and determination, your workout playlist is the conductor that guides you through every set, rep, and stride. By curating a selection of the best workout songs tailored to your unique preferences and goals, you unlock the power of music to elevate your performance and amplify your results. So, whether you're pounding the treadmill or conquering the weights, let the rhythm of your playlist propel you to greatness.
Plus, with the convenience of the FREE PF App, getting started on your fitness journey has never been easier. Gain access to tons of resources, including workout guides, exercise tutorials, and on-demand workout videos featuring high-energy playlists to keep you motivated and inspired every step of the way.
With Planet Fitness by your side and the perfect soundtrack in your ears, there's no limit to what you can achieve. Let the beat drop, and let your fitness journey begin.
Find a Planet Fitness near you today.
*Amenities and Perks are subject to availability and restrictions. See home club for details.