The Ultimate Workout Playlist

Graphic by Natalie D'Alto

One of the most common New Year's resolutions is to get more ~into~ exercise and actually hit up Barnes on a semi-regular basis. But more often than not, it falls through. 

Don’t worry, no shame from us!! We’re struggling to start a long-term relationship with the stairmaster too… Now that we’ve hit the bulk of nasty Syracuse winter, going to the gym realllyyyy doesn’t sound as appealing as it was when you made the resolution then washed it down with a bottle or two of champagne. 

But what if you had a playlist so good that it makes you want to work out? 

Here are a few suggested songs to workout to depending on your mood: 

1. The “If You Look in My Direction I Will Kill You” Mentality 

a. Tia Tamera – Doja Cat, Flo Milli 

If they even think in my direction, they’re done. 

b. Backstabber – Ke$ha 

Brings back old memories…may make you want to stab someone…no big deal.

c. Misery Business – Paramore 

Get that punching bag out… 

d. Work Bitch – Britney Spears 

Don’t worry – Britney will knock some sense into you. 

e. Bonfire – Childish Gambino 

Your MMA moment. 

2. The “She’s a Runner, She’s a Track Star” Mood 

a. Pump It – Black Eyed Peas 

May you never stop running. Revert back to those Just Dance days. 

b. My Own Worst Enemy – Lit 

Will make you run out of spite. Or will spark memories on why you are your own worst enemy. 

c. Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses 

If you really wanna get hype with some classic rock, here’s your song. 

d. King’s Dead – Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future 

Anything by Kendrick applies to this list, FYI. 

e. Gasolina – Daddy Yankee 

Simply a classic hype song. Don’t argue with us on this.

3. The “12-3-30” Stride 

a. Blackout – Breathe Carolina 

2000s club vibes…Own that shit. 

b. Poker Face – Lady Gaga 

Channel a Lotus Casino moment. Anything from this album is fitting, really.

c. Narcos – Migos 

A good walking pace. Pretend Pedro Pascal is behind you. 

d. The Way I Are – Timbaland 

Imagine you’re on the runway.

e. Without Me – Eminem 

You’re the boss.  

*These songs are approximately 120 beats per minute, which is roughly the tempo you walk at 3 mph. 

4. The “Post-Workout” Stretch 

a. Latch – Disclosure, Sam Smith 

Please…can we bring this song back? 

b. Temptation – Joey Bada$$ 

A good and chill cool down. 

c. Fluorescent Adolescent – Arctic Monkeys 

More of an alternative path, but still gets your blood flowing. 

d. Pyramids – Frank Ocean 

This nearly 10 minute song is the perfect amount of time to cool down…it’s also a masterpiece. 

e. The Chain – Fleetwood Mac 

Will definitely get you in a mood, definitely a slower tempo song, but a classic, nonetheless. 

Do with this information what you will – if it’s not your style, don’t fret! Here’s a tip: try to make a playlist of songs around 120 bpm, because that’s around the pace you have when you walk and run. 

So if none of these songs do it for you, feel free to browse these songs that have around 120 bpm that are fun to listen to – hip hop/rap, newer hip hop/rap, most popular hip hop/rap, all according to jog.fm. 

Good luck, gym rats.