I don’t know about you, but I cannot work out unless I have some good tunes pumping in my ears. The more upbeat, the better, in my opinion. The only problem is that since I go to the gym so frequently, I end up listening to the same songs over and over (and over!) again, which can be kind of boring. But whenever I load new upbeat workout songs onto my iPhone, I actually look forward to going to the gym and I find my workouts fly by much faster. Motivating workout songs can really make all the difference!
I try to update my gym playlist every 2 weeks or so, which means I have collected A LOT of fabulous upbeat workout songs over the years, and since I know I’m not the only one trying to step up my workout routine in an effort to lose weight and get toned in time for bikini season, I decided to share this list of 40 good songs to workout to.
Why You’ll Love These Upbeat Workout Songs
I made this list with a bunch of my favorite workout songs…and you’ll probably recognize many of them. “All About That Bass” by Meghan Trainor (#22) is a workout favorite, but I think “Lips Are Moving” (#5) is even more catchy and it’s basically impossible NOT to move to that beat! (Also the lyrics are great – if you can catch them over the sound of your feet pounding on the treadmill!)
Apparently I’m on a total Robyn Schulz kick too, because I have “Prayer in C” and “Waves” (both by him) at #7 & #10. The lyrics in “Prayer in C” might not immediately make you think of working out, but the tempo of his beat on that song is perfect for so many of my weight lifting routines!
“Waves” has that slow-build thing going on, and it alternates between slower moments and more upbeat moments. This is one of those songs you can use for intervals, weight lifting reps or even your warm-up and cool-down.
And “Rather Be” at #21 is my definition of an upbeat workout song! It’s full of inspiring lyrics with positive vibes, and a beat that practically forces you to get moving!
If you click on the affiliate links below (or the ‘view’ button in the album above), they will take you straight to iTunes where you can preview and listen to the songs to decide which ones you like the most. I’m really digging 5, 7, 10, and 21 right now, but all of these workout songs will keep you pumped and (hopefully) give you the motivation you need to get back in shape (and stay in shape)!
I know you’ll find some great upbeat workout songs that YOU love on this list!
1. Boom Clap by Charli XCX
2. Goodbye (feat. Islove) by Glenn Morrison
3. Fancy (feat. Charli XCX) by Iggy Azalea
4. Open Wide (feat. Big Sean) by Calvin Harris
5. Lips Are Movin by Meghan Trainor
6. Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars) by Mark Ronson
7. Prayer In C (Robin Schulz Radio Edition)
8. Summer by Calvin Harris
9. Animals by Maroon 5
10. Waves (Robin Schulz Radio Edition)
11. FourFiveSeconds by Rihanna and Kayne West and Paul McCartney
12. Wake Me Up by Avicii
13. Outside (feat. Ellie Goulding) by Calvin Harris
14. Promesses (feat, Kaleem Taylor) by Tchami
15. Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars
16. Sugar by Maroon 5
17. All of Me by John Legend
18. Raise Your Glass by P!NK
19. Outlines by Mike Mago & Dragonette
20. Moves Like Jagger (feat. Christina Aguilera) by Maroon 5
21. Rather Be (feat. Jess Glynne) by Clean Bandit
22. All About That Bass by Meghan Trainor
23. Not a Bad Thing by Justin Timberlake
24. Scream & Shout (feat. Britney Spears) by will.i.am
25. Am I Wrong by Nico & Vinz
26. Party Rock Anthem (feat. Lauren Bennett & GoonRock) by LMFAO
27. Best Day of My Life by American Authors
28. Story of My Life by One Direction
29. I’m an Albatraoz by AronChupa
30. Work B**ch by Britney Spears
31. Pompeii by Bastille
32. Thinking Out Loud by Ed Sheeran
33. Same Love (feat. Mary Lambert) by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
34. Run This Town (feat. Rihanna & Kayne West) by JAY Z, Rihanna & Kayne West
35. Happy by Pharrell Williams
36. Turn Me On (feat. Nicki Minaj) by David Guetta
37. Price Tag (feat. B.o.B) by Jessie J
38. Jealous (I Ain’t Worth It) by Chromeo
39. Talk Dirty (feat. 2 Chainz) by Jason Derulo
40. Thrift Shop (feat. Wanz) by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
How To Pick Your Own Workout Playlist
Of course, you may want to find your songs to fit your music preferences (but this playlist will give you a place to start looking for motivating workout songs).
So if you’re searching for your own workout songs, you can zero in by searching for music that has a tempo to match your fitness level. You want to make sure the motivating workout songs you choose fit your pace! Beginners should pick songs with a mellow beat or you might end up burning out quickly. And if you’re really comfortable with your routine, you might want to choose really upbeat workout songs that push your limits and help you get the most out of your training!
For cardio, a faster beat will get you moving and help you burn calories. On the treadmill, elliptical or other cardio machines, you can easily change up your pace, incline or resistance to match the song’s tempo. Interval training has many benefits, so use that workout playlist to your advantage!
On the other hand, if a song with a slower tempo comes on during a weightlifting routine, slow those reps down! Many trainers will tell you that it’s important to vary the pace of your reps, so let the music help you out!
Getting to the gym and making that workout happen is not always easy – and sometimes it’s nearly impossible! But a solid playlist full of inspiring beats is one way to make working out a lot more enjoyable.
