Stuck in a rut with your workouts? The LadyBossⓇ Pocket Personal Trainer takes the guesswork out of putting together a solid workout routine, whether you’re going to the gym or working out from home.
Now that you have the workout mapped out, are you still struggling to get motivated?
Maybe it’s time to switch up your workout playlist. It’s no secret that some good workout songs can be a powerful motivator, especially on days when getting a workout in just doesn’t top your to-do list.
Just like there is science to exercise, there is actually science behind choosing the jams that power your workout. A 2012 study done by The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness concluded that exercise was more efficient when performed in sync with the music.
The good news is you don’t need to hire a DJ to decipher which beats-per-minute range best suits your workout. Keep reading for a list of the best workout songs created just for you! LadyBoss® compiled and then sorted the songs by tempo range to match your favorite activity.
Low-Intensity Workout Playlist
Match lower-intensity activities such as stretching, yoga, or pilates with lower-tempo songs.
BPM ranges from 60-90 mimic your resting heart rate and are ideal for your warmup and cooldown. For activities like yoga and pilates, songs around 100 bpm will keep you focused and motivated.
Workout Songs for Running
If you’re a runner, then your workout is all about cadence. A study from the University of Michigan shows that a runner’s cadence is highly individual, however, the average running cadence was about 180 strides per minute.
When choosing the songs for your run, stick to songs in the 150-180 bpm range. This will help you keep pace while your legs naturally march to the beat of your playlist’s drum.
Workout Songs for Cardio
Cardio is an awesome way to get your sweat on and burn massive calories! Whether you’re on the treadmill or elliptical or doing high-intensity interval training, you want to listen to fast-paced beats.
To keep the flow going no matter which type of cardio you choose, stick to songs in the 120-160 bpm range to keep your heart pumping and to help you stay in the fat-burning zone.
Workout Songs for Strength Training
For lifting weights in the gym or performing bodyweight exercises at home, jamming out to music in the 120-135 bpm range is ideal. It’s fast enough to match your elevated heart rate while also allowing you to shift gears into your rest periods between sets.
Keeping your Workout Playlist Fresh
Staying motivated means keeping your playlist stocked with fresh music. Music streaming apps like Spotify allow you to share playlists or search for different types of music based on activity or mood.
When seeking out the best workout songs for your playlist, stick to musical genres you enjoy and songs that resonate with you. Current music is always fun, but new spins on old classics and remixes can keep your body moving, too.
But when it comes to finding your best workout songs, it’s all about what motivates you and makes you feel good.
