I’ve always thought that music can have an incredible effect on the mind. It can be cathartic, it can be romantic. It can also be energetic stuff. That’s why you see so many people with a smartphone on their arm and a pair of earphones dangling across their chest. There’s just something about the right tune at the right time pumping you up to push yourself further on a treadmill or underneath some stupidly heavy weights.
Music is…properly subjective however. Whereas some people might like a heavy strum on the ol’ electric guitar, others prefer bopping their heads to a collection of bleeps and boops from electronica. Some folks dig harmonious symphonic arrangements with which to set a pace on a run, others channel the anger of a death metal solo towards pumping weights. Different strokes, different folks.
To give you an example, here’s a random selection from my own playlist. Watch YouTube embeds below of course, because it’s never too late to rawk:
Slipknot – Before I forget
This is just…raw. I’m not a massive fan of Slipknot, but there’s an unbridled sense of purpose in this song that never fails to get my blood pumping.
Dethklok – Blazing Star
Likewise, Dethklok may be a fictional band but you can always feel the Metalocalypse emanating from their heavy metal. Blazing Star sums up the sound and feel of the band, ending in a note of triumph that resonates with the end of any workout session.
Linkin Park – Easier to run
It’s kind of ironic that this is one of my favourite tracks to hear shuffle in when I’m on a treadmill, but it has a remarkable effect of always managing to push me that little step further.
The Hives – Tick Tick Boom
The Hives may just be one of the most polarising bands out there. I know of people who’d rather set themselves on fire than listen to them, but I’ve always enjoyed their peppy singles that pack in a ton of energy.
R.E.M – It’s the end of the world (And I feel fine)
I’m a 90’s alt-rock fanboy for life, with R.E.M’s signature world-ending track having a particular sense of timing that can’t be matched. High energy results with perfect cues to remind you to slow down between them.
Beastie Boys – No sleep till Brooklyn
One of my personal favourites for a session of spinning, the Beastie Boys always have the skills to pay the bills.
Led Zeppelin – Immigrant Song
Much like the R.E.M example above, Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song has an odd pace but one that you can quickly get used to if you open your mind up a little. A short but sweet track that pushes you.
David Bowie – Heroes
Gone but never forgotten, Bowie’s music always feels like a reminder that you can be better. Heroes moreso, as it’s that one track that can always break the wall you might find yourself slouched against when fatigue rears its ugly head.
Queens of the Stone Age – You think I ain’t worth a dollar, but I feel like a millionaire
If you’re going to finish, do so on a high note. Specifically that one song that you put whatever is left in the tank to one race to the finish. And hot damn, Queens of the Stone Age manages just that with this early single from their career.
That’s a taste of what I listen to. But I want to hear what you guys recommend. If it has a beat, throw it in the comments below so that we can start building a list for people to pick and choose from. With music streaming services like Google Play or Deezer, there’s no excuse to not have a playlist at your side at any given time. Submit away and let’s create something awesome as I kick off this list with a few more recommendations.
Editor’s note: Anyone suggesting the Parlatones will learn the hard way to “feel the burn”.
- Arctic Monkeys – R U Mine?
- Blink 182 – Adam’s Song
- Blink 182 – Always
- Blink 182 – Carousel
- Blink 182 – M & M’s
- Coldplay – Politik
- Cornershop – Brimful of Asha (Norman Cooke Remix)
- Daft Punk – Derezzed
- Distubed – Land of Confusion
- Foo Fighters – All my life
- Foo Fighters – The Pretender
- Genesis – I can’t dance
- Hans Zimmer and Junkie XL – Is she with you?
- The Hives – Hate to say I told you so
- Linkin Park – Breaking the habit
- Papa Roach – To be loved
- Rage Against The Machine – Sleep now in the fire
- Red Hot Chilli Peppers – Under the bridge
- Skidrow – Youth gone wild
- Stereophonics – Dakota
Last Updated: April 24, 2017
Alessandro Barbosa
April 24, 2017 at 13:15
Hot take: I don’t listen to music while working out. Even on long runs. It distracts me more than it helps me.
Original Heretic
April 24, 2017 at 13:16
Please avoid using the term “long runs”. The mental imagery invoked is unpleasant.
Geoffrey Tim
April 24, 2017 at 13:18
I avoid the entire debate by not exercising at all.
Alessandro Barbosa
April 24, 2017 at 13:21
“You don’t need to decide what music to listen to on a run if you never go running,” https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2d278f6f4fa8bc43797f4293a07b9bdbbd42e901a0a198fbe03baec43d6d35fb.jpg
Original Heretic
April 24, 2017 at 13:24
I had years of the same principle. But when my son finally arrived, I decided to do something about it so that as he gets older, I can actually play with him without fading like an old fart after running after him for 30 seconds.
Geoffrey Tim
April 24, 2017 at 13:32
I have three kids who are now old enough to fucking play with themslelves, the bastards.
Original Heretic
April 24, 2017 at 13:36
My boy is two. The Energizer bunny has nothing on him.
And I recently made the fatal flaw of pushing his spare little plastic motorcycle behind him as he rode down the passage. My back, my knees, my thighs, my lungs….they all hated me after that experience.
Alien Emperor Trevor
April 24, 2017 at 13:45
I don’t listen to any either, unless the background music in the gym that I’m not paying attention to counts. Also find it’s more of a distraction than motivational.
Tracy Benson
April 24, 2017 at 13:22
Some of my gym playlist:
(Content Warning: it’s all hipster indie bullshit)
Young Rising Sons – High
WALK THE MOON – Shut up and Dance
Bombay Bicycle Club – Shuffle
The Twang – Barney Rubble
The Wombats – Let’s Dance to Joy Division
Vance Joy – Riptide
Lu
April 24, 2017 at 13:34
Has to be hipster stuff. Never heard of any of them 😛
Original Heretic
April 24, 2017 at 13:22
My workouts usually involve hitting things these days. So I tend to favour songs that encourage me to hit it harder.
Volbeat – A Warrior’s Call
Marilyn Manson – Fight Song
Stemm – Face the Pain (*sigh* I miss the old UFC intros…)
DVDA – What Would Brian Boitano do? (just for giggles, the “don’t eat those chicken wings part” always cracks me up)
Rage Against the Machine – How I could just kill a man
And many, many more.
Kromas Ryder
April 24, 2017 at 13:48
I have that DVDA song in my car. Such a great song.
Lu
April 24, 2017 at 13:32
Sleeping with Sirens: Kick Me
Pierce the Veil: Hell Above, The First Punch
My Chemical Romance: I’m Not Okay
Atreyu: Exes And Ohs
Disturbed: Sons of Plunder
Alestorm: Wenches and Mead
Slipknot: Spit it out
The Ting Tings: Shut Up and Let Me Go (don’t judge me)
Paramore: Crush (Again I have strange taste)
Kromas Ryder
April 24, 2017 at 13:47
No CAKE! SHAME ON YOU!
The D
April 24, 2017 at 13:59
I feel bad for never hearing of this band before today.
Kromas Ryder
April 24, 2017 at 14:05
Actually you have. Remember the TV show Chuck? The intro song is the instumental version of Short sleeve Long Jacket by Cake. Also they did the I will survive cover used by most TV shows. And they have quite a few familiar songs. 😛
The D
April 24, 2017 at 14:06
…I never watched Chuck. #History’sGreatestMonster
Tracy Benson
April 24, 2017 at 14:23
WHAT?!
Viking Of Science
April 24, 2017 at 13:59
There’s A SHOCKING lack of Perturbator and Carpenter Brut in your Playlist:
I Submit:
and
Viking Of Science
April 24, 2017 at 14:29
@Darryn_Bonthuys:disqus, Seriously, you need Synthwave in your workout mix.
Magoo
April 24, 2017 at 14:03
It’s a pretty useless idea in my opinion. All you need is epic saxophone guy. All of the time.
The D
April 24, 2017 at 14:04
Solid choices so far guys. KEEP ‘EM COMING!
HvR
April 24, 2017 at 14:20
When you are pomping the iron bru
Captain JJ
April 24, 2017 at 14:44
Renegades was an excellent tribute album
konfab
April 24, 2017 at 14:32
I listen to podcasts when I run. Music is there to be enjoyed.
HvR
April 24, 2017 at 14:37
Especially for Darryn when jogging/running away from muggers in PE and passing a police van. Sing it loud brother
Captain JJ
April 24, 2017 at 14:43
Holy Crap Darryn, that’s a good list.
HvR
April 24, 2017 at 15:00
Bah, was serenading you guys on Discord last week with “Before I Forget” and nobody knew what I was on about.
Faux-metalhead all of you …. more like tinfoilheads
Captain JJ
April 24, 2017 at 15:08
Are you sure I was there? I love that music video, it’s bloody excellent.
Captain JJ
April 24, 2017 at 14:43
You had me at Dethklok
Captain JJ
April 24, 2017 at 14:45
I tend to listed to a lot of Fear Factory when I exercise
Matthew Holliday
April 24, 2017 at 15:03
Metallica – St Anger
This has been my most effective hype song for any occasion, since pretty much forever.
That intro.
Also
Five Finger Death Punch – Wash it all away
Drowning Pool – Bodies
Captain JJ
April 24, 2017 at 15:06
Clutch – X-Ray Visions
Bowie – Suffragette City (couldn’t resist)
Judas Priest – Breaking the Law
Meat Loaf – Bat out of hell
Lenny Kravitz – Stop draggin’ Around
Matthew Holliday
April 24, 2017 at 15:20
mentioning the hives without Mentioning “Hate to say I told you so” is almost sacrilegious.
Sock-puppet
April 24, 2017 at 16:48
I have a more chilled way of exercising, no punching or kicking required so my list consists of:
Diamond Eyes – Hum –> https://youtu.be/tMeI6CkSng0
A-Ha – Take On Me (Kygo Remix) –> https://youtu.be/BrfRMHf62hs
Porter Robinson & Madeon – Shelter –> https://youtu.be/Ts8YP6hhELU
RetroVision – Here We Go –> https://youtu.be/YulI-cPaf34
The Chainsmokers ft. XYLO – Setting Fires –> https://youtu.be/kclCH4yINhM
Papa Ya – Sunny –> https://youtu.be/iME5EiX1YZQ = good starter
Anders Nilsen – EDM –> https://youtu.be/M4TRu5WO7-w = good for bad days
Best of Electro Swing Mix August 2016 –> https://youtu.be/bcnj9btzcm8 = no skipping required
Clean Bandit – Symphony ft. Zara Larsson (Beau Collins Remix) = https://youtu.be/tFw9FyVxeZ8
I have well over 200 songs in my playlist though. It’s grown a bit now, with all the suggestions here.