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Music Genres to Boost Your Workout

Our taste in music fluctuates with our mood. Sometimes it’s Kanye, sometimes it’s Taylor (no beef here!). Listening to music while you exercise can make you work harder and recover faster. And because the music you listen to will affect your output—we’ve curated a list of playlists to fit every music mood and get your mind, body, and soul in sync.

Pop & Cardio

Yes—let’s start with the classic. High-tempo pop music that you can’t help singing along to is ideal for those tough cardio sessions. Songs with a bpm (beats per minute) of 150 or higher will subconsciously up your cadence. Plus, reciting the lyrics to NSYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye” will be a welcome distraction from that burning in your chest.

To help you get started on that five-mile run, hour-long spin sesh, or even “just” a ten-minute jump rope workout — here’s a playlist of pop songs to really get your blood pumping:

  • Roar – Katy Perry (180 bpm)
  • Hey Ya! – OutKast (160 bpm)
  • Shake it Off – Taylor Swift (160 bpm)
  • The Middle – Jimmy Eat World (162 bpm)
  • Happy – Pharrell Williams (160 bpm)

Hip Hop/Rap & Strength
Overall, hip hop tends to be edgier, angrier, and ideal for quick bursts of energy. When you’re struggling through that last rep, these beats will force you to buckle down and push through, while keeping your energy contained and focused. The ideal bpm for strength training resides somewhere between 130 and 140. With that in mind, here are a few songs to keep you in the zone:

Can’t Get Enough – J. Cole (132 bpm)
Church – T. Pain (130 bpm)
No Problem – Chance the Rapper (135 bpm)
Life is Good – Future (142 bpm)
Laugh Now Cry Later – Drake (134 bpm)

Country & Stretching
That’s right—country music isn’t just for road trips. To keep you calm while you stretch, you should look for music between 60-100 bpm. When it’s time to roll out the yoga mat, turn up these tunes and remember to breathe deeply.

Loud and Heavy – Cody Jinks (82 bpm)
Tackle Box - Luke Bryan (79 bpm)
We Were – Keith Urban (79 bpm)
All on Me – Devin Dawson (81 bpm)

Of course, your options for workout playlists are endless. Maybe you want to listen to opera while you work in some hill sprints. Maybe you want a playlist of pop, rock, jazz, and obscure musical numbers. The important thing is that you remember to have fun, jam out, stay safe, and figure out what works for you so that you can make every workout your best one.

This article was written by Melissa Pelowski. Interested in writing for us too? Email your pitch to submissions@sportsresearch.com for consideration.

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