Best Workout Songs to Pump You Up

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. How Can Listening to Music Affect Your Exercise? 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. 12 Best Workout Songs to Listen to Whether you’re looking for new songs to add to your existing playlist, these songs will surely add a spring to your step. 1. "Calm Down" by Rema, Selena Gomez 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. 2. “Pon de Replay” by Rihanna 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. 3. "Partition" by Beyoncé 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. 4. "Dance the Night" by Dua Lipa 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. 5. “Lonely Boy” by The Black Keys 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. 6. “Lovin On Me” by Jack Harlow 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. 7. “Seven” by Jungkook ft. Latto 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. 8. “bad idea right?” by Olivia Rodrigo 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? 9. “Promiscuous” by Nelly Furtado 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? 10. “...Ready For It?” by Taylor Swift 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.  11. “Kick It” by NCT 127 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.  12. “Greedy” by Tate McRae 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. Sweat Out to Best Workout Songs 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?

When beginning your fitness journey, you may come across various terminology — a common one being aerobic and anaerobic respiration. To get the most out of your workouts, it’s crucial to understand the difference between the two so you can tailor your sessions.  What is Aerobic Respiration? The aim of aerobic exercise is sustained endurance, where your heart is steadily pumping and your breath matches the beat of your steps. Aerobic activities involve continuous, rhythmic movements that engage large muscle groups, promoting cardiovascular health and stamina. Aerobic activities stimulate your heart and lungs, enhancing their efficiency over time. The primary energy source during aerobic exercise is oxygen, as your body efficiently breaks down glucose and fats to produce energy. This process results in improved cardiovascular health, increased lung capacity and a boost in overall endurance. Aerobic workouts are great for weight loss. Depending on your weight and the intensity of your training session, you can burn between 220-600 calories per hour for a cardio workout. Forms of Aerobic Exercise Aerobic exercises focus on sustained endurance, promoting heart health and overall stamina. Some forms of aerobic exercise you can add to your training plan include: Brisk walking Running Cycling Swimming Dancing Stair climbing Elliptical Rowing Jump rope The Benefits of Aerobic Exercise The benefits of aerobic exercise go beyond just burning calories. Here are the multifaceted advantages of incorporating aerobic activities into your routine: Cardiovascular health: Aerobic exercise is a great tool for promoting heart health. Regular aerobic activities strengthen the heart muscle, improve blood circulation and reduce the risk of heart-related conditions. Improved lung capacity: As aerobic exercise requires sustained oxygen intake, it enhances lung function and capacity. This leads to better respiratory efficiency and increased oxygen supply to the body.  Weight management: Aerobic activities, such as running or cycling, burn calories and contribute to weight loss and maintenance. Enhanced endurance: The prolonged nature of aerobic exercise improves overall endurance. Individuals engaging in regular workouts often find themselves capable of sustaining physical activity for longer periods without fatigue.  Mood enhancement: Aerobic exercise triggers the release of endorphins, your body’s natural mood lifters. This release can help alleviate stress, reduce anxiety and contribute to an overall positive mental state. Improved sleep: Regular aerobic activity has been linked to reduced risk of insomnia and better sleep quality. It can aid in falling asleep faster and enjoying deeper, more restorative sleep. Reduced risk of chronic diseases: Regular participation in aerobic activities is associated with a reduced risk of chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and metabolic disorders. Increased energy levels: Aerobic exercise improves the efficiency of energy production, leading to increased energy levels throughout the day. What is Anaerobic Respiration? Anaerobic exercise involves short, intense bursts of energy without relying on a continuous oxygen supply. During this type of respiration you’ll typically push your limits and challenge your muscles to their maximum capacity.  Anaerobic exercises demand significant effort from your muscles, tapping into the energy stored in your body without needing sustained oxygen intake. As a result, it builds strength, power and muscle mass while promoting fast-twitch muscle fiber development. Forms of Anaerobic Exercise While aerobic exercise focuses on endurance, anaerobic exercises are all about quick bursts of intense effort, building strength and power. Here are some forms of anaerobic exercise to elevate your fitness routine: Interval sprinting Weightlifting High-intensity interval training (HIIT) Plyometrics Circuit training The Benefits of Anaerobic Exercise When it comes to building strength and achieving a well-rounded level of fitness, anaerobic activities take center stage. The benefits of adding anaerobic exercise to your routine include: Muscle strength and definition: Anaerobic activities, especially resistance training and weightlifting, promote the development of muscle strength and definition. This strength is essential for functional movement and physical performance. Increased metabolic rate: The intensity of anaerobic exercise can elevate your metabolic rate. This elevation means your body continues to burn more calories even after you’ve completed the workout, contributing to weight management and fat loss. Improved bone density: Weight-bearing anaerobic exercises, such as weightlifting, have a positive impact on bone density. Strong bones are particularly important for preventing conditions like osteoporosis.  Fast-twitch muscle fiber development: These exercises stimulate fast-twitch muscle fiber growth, crucial for quick, explosive movements. This growth is beneficial for activities requiring power and speed. Improved joint function: Engaging in resistance training can improve joint stability and function. Joint function is especially important if you’re looking to prevent or manage conditions like arthritis. Enhanced power and speed: Anaerobic exercises, like sprinting and HIIT, enhance power and speed, improving athletic performance and agility. Body composition changes: Anaerobic exercise contributes to changes in body composition by increasing lean muscle mass and reducing body fat percentage. Better insulin sensitivity: Resistance training can improve insulin sensitivity, making it beneficial for individuals at risk of or managing type 2 diabetes. Aerobic and Anaerobic Respiration: The Main Differences The main differences between the two include: Duration: Aerobic exercises are characterized by longer durations, often lasting 20 minutes or more, while anaerobic exercises are short, intense bursts lasting seconds to a few minutes. Intensity: Aerobic exercises maintain a moderate intensity level, allowing for sustained effort, while anaerobic exercises involve high-intensity, explosive efforts that push your limits. Energy source: Aerobic workouts rely on oxygen to produce energy, using a combination of carbohydrates and fats. In contrast, anaerobic exercise taps into stored energy sources within the body, using carbohydrates without relying on oxygen. How Often Should You Workout? Both aerobic and anaerobic respiration are important to create a balanced fitness routine. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity each week. You can split this up into three 30-minute aerobic sessions and two 30-minute strength training or anaerobic sessions. Which Should You Choose? Remember that a well-rounded fitness routine often incorporates elements of both exercises where aerobic and anaerobic respiration can take place. By balancing endurance with explosive power, you can unlock your body’s full potential and experience a holistic approach to fitness. Whether you’re pounding the pavement in a jog or pushing your limits in a high-intensity sprint, embracing the diversity of aerobic and anaerobic exercise will propel you toward a healthier and stronger lifestyle. Updated on March 1, 2024

It’s that time of year again. You make a list of what you want to get for others, and you check it twice. Wouldn’t it be nice to find a fun new fitness gadget for yourself gift-wrapped under the tree?  Fortunately, you can find workout gear to suit any size of budget. Here are some of the best compact home exercise equipment to add to your holiday wish list.  1. A Set of Fitness Dice  You probably spent at least part of the pandemic working out in your living room. However, your training routine can get stale if you don’t have a personal trainer or an app to show you new moves and inspire your workouts.  Why not ask for a set of fitness dice? A few tosses reveal your workout fate. This method lets you vary your workout and change up your routine. It’s also a fun way to get your kids interested in physical activity — challenge them to play along with you.  Get it from Amazon: $16.99 2. A Speed Jump Rope  Jumping rope is one of the most vigorous forms of cardiovascular conditioning. You don’t even need to leave your house to do it if you have enough space.  The right rope makes a big difference. Lightweight speed models have you feeling like a professional boxer in no time. You can also find weighted versions if you want to combine strength training with your cardio.  Get it from Amazon: $8.99 Get a weighted jump rope from Amazon: $16.99 3. A TRX Fit System  You might have seen this intimidating-looking series of straps and pulleys assembled at the gym. Please don’t let your fear hold you back from investing in one for your home.  You can work out with one of their on-demand classes. You get 90 days free with your purchase, which is more than ample time to master the moves. After you build your confidence, you can improve your fitness in 15 minutes a day.  Get it from Amazon: $139.85 4. A Set of Resistance Bands  Resistance bands offer multiple advantages over free weights. One is that you don’t have to worry if you accidentally drop one on your toe. Even 3-pound dumbbells can break your toes if you get careless or clumsy while working out barefoot in your living room.  Another perk to these fitness devices is that they travel well. They take up next-to-no room in a suitcase and don’t create extra weight. However, you can still get 20 or more pounds of resistance, depending on your band’s strength.  Get it from Amazon: $9.98 5. A Yoga Mat  Jute is a sustainable material — it grows to maturity quickly like bamboo and hemp. It’s also uniquely suited for yoga practice because it becomes stickier as it gets wet. The result is a non-slip surface for practicing tricky Bikram moves without risking injury.  This natural jute yoga mat provides the ideal surface for practicing your flying tittibhasana. It also insulates your body from the ground if you work out in the room over the garage and shiver through savasana.  Get it from Amazon: $37.21 6. A Speed Bag  Do you dream of training like Sylvester Stallone in one of the “Rocky” films? Even if you don’t have room for a heavy bag, you can squeeze a speed bag into one corner.  This device hones your eye-hand coordination. It also provides a necessary outlet on stressful days when you need to vent some steam before meditating yourself to a happier mental space.  Get it from Amazon: $39.99 7. A Doorway Pullup Bar  Lifting your body weight off the ground using your arm strength alone isn’t easy. Can you still do a pullup like you did back in your gym class days?  A doorway pullup bar gives you the tool you need to test your mettle. It also provides practice space if you need a little assistance from a partner or chair before you can hoist yourself using your arms alone.  Get if from Amazon: $29.89 8. A Body Ball A  body ball extends your range of motion when doing moves like crunches. You can also use it as a weight bench — doing so requires more core stability than the traditional model.  Do you sit all day at work? Why not strengthen your core while you do? While most experts don’t recommend replacing your office chair with one of these devices all the time, using one for an hour or two could improve your balance and strength. You’ll also burn extra calories, and every little bit counts if you’re trying to shed pounds.  Get it from Amazon: $28.98 9. A Set of Kettlebells A single kettlebell is all you need to pull off dozens of strength training movements. Plus, their handlebar design gives you a convenient grip.   You can find these devices in various weights. If you can afford to do so, get several sizes to work every muscle in your body.  Get it from Amazon: $39.99 Add the Best Compact Home Exercise Equipment to Your Holiday Wish List  It’s okay to think of yourself when planning for the holidays. Add the best compact home exercise equipment listed above to your wish list.  Updated on 5/21/2024