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For many people, music is an essential part of their workout routines. For some, songs serve as an escape from pain and exhaustion, offering temporary relief. To ensure a worthwhile workout, here are the best workout songs this year, with a few old classic hits. From Korean upbeat songs to TikTok favorites, these songs will surely motivate you to sweat more and achieve your fitness goals.
Enter the gym and notice how many people wear headphones. More than just a fashion accessory, headphones can help people focus on their workout routines in public places. Music has been known to influence exercise in many ways, whether you’re working out at home or in the gym. For instance, it can lower tension and boost feelings of vigor, improving power output and anaerobic performance.
Music is also a great way to motivate yourself when prepping for a successful lift, walk or run. It also helps improve your physical and mental endurance, allowing you to complete more laps.
Whether you’re looking for new songs to add to your existing playlist, these songs will surely add a spring to your step.
This catchy song may tell you to calm down, but the beat will surely boost your motivation and energy. This song was known as the best Afrobeats song at the 2023 Billboard Music Awards and VMAs, besting artists like Oxlade and Ayra Starr.
Blast “Calm Down” on your speakers or headphones when jogging at night, running the treadmill or warming up for an upcoming cycling session.
This 2005 hit remains relevant in 2024 because of its strong beats that fuel your mind to achieve a satisfying workout. It reminds you of the good ol’ days of the early 2000s — dancing in the club or your room while bingeing Rihanna’s hits. Whether you’re Mr. DJ or not, best believe you’ll turn the music up once it plays.
Energizing bass drop? Check. Strong beats? Check. Your workout playlist isn’t complete without this hit song from Queen B herself. It’s a must-have for moments when you need a confidence boost. The chorus will make you feel like you’re a gym diva who looks and feels great. Get this song playing while doing your most challenging routines to remind you how much of a beautiful woman you are.
Channel your inner Barbie, wear something pink and blast this song on your speakers as you do your cardio workout — your heart could be burnin’, but you won’t see it on your face! It also makes an excellent song during a Pilates workout, which requires you to concentrate on breathing and movement. An extra confidence boost from Dua Lipa will truly make your session worthwhile.
Cycling in the late afternoon? Tune into this upbeat song from The Black Keys. Lonely Boy is a rock song with a tempo of 166 BPM that keeps your energy and motivation high without overwhelming you with strong beats and powerful lyrics. It’s the perfect song when you just want to sustain a moderate energy level for a less strenuous workout.
This hip-hop song by Jack Harlow features a fast tempo and strong bass beats, which practically forces you to sweat it out. It’s ideal for letting loose and dedicating yourself to the workout. No wonder it once hit the top spot of the Billboard Hot 100 in 2023.
Update your workout playlist with this 2023 hit song. The global K-pop phenomenon BTS member took the world by storm with his album GOLDEN — a descriptor that has long been associated with Jungkook. Often praised for his vocal prowess and dancing abilities, Jungkook was quickly referred to as The Golden “Maknae” — or youngest member — of BTS. Listen to this music and be inspired to work out seven days a week.
Whether going to a Zumba dance workout class or running laps around the neighborhood, Olivia Rodrigo’s hit song will make you pump up to complete more laps than intended. It’s one of those songs you can sing when the gym is empty or when doing a home workout. Otherwise, let it be known that this song will make you feel that exercising is never a bad idea, right?
This 2006 hit song provides confidence as you enter the gym. It’s a perfect dance or arm workout song, inviting you to let loose and jam to the music as you sweat it out. What better song to play during your workout and take a trip down memory lane?
Let the games begin with this empowering song. Do your weightlifting or endurance run as you sing to Taylor’s rapping to channel your inner diva. It features a dubstep bass drop and deep synths that will keep you ready for whatever challenging workout awaits you.
Boost your energy levels with this Korean song from NCT 127. It’s an excellent song choice for practicing martial arts and wanting to channel your inner Bruce Lee. This song is widely known for its inherent oddness, unexpected hooks and chants, making it an excellent song when you want your 100% focus on your kicks and punches. Give it a listen and give in to their experimental hip-hop tunes — all designed to empower you in your workouts.
This hit song was all over TikTok and Instagram for a reason. Its catchy tunes make it great pre-workout music, conditioning your mind and body before a workout. If you feel like skipping the gym today, just play this song and mirror its impressive choreography at home. Dancing to this and other songs can help burn calories and reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s by 76%, so move your body and treat it well.
Add these songs to your playlist and enjoy a workout like never before! From pop songs to 2000s hits, these songs will surely fire up any workout routine at home, outside or in the gym. Which of these songs are already in your playlist?
