3 Workout Music Playlists for Every Training Session
By Paul Hackett
It was New York Times bestselling author Pat Conroy who once said “Without music, life is a journey through a desert”. Music has a remarkable ability to evoke emotions and imagery within its listeners; it also has the power to motivate and energize even the most tired of souls – whether it’s a marathon runner pushing through “the wall,” or a powerlifter looking for a bolt of audible caffeine to conquer one more set of heavy lifting. Below are three playlists containing such music. Taking into account that every person has varying tastes in music and what sounds motivates them, these workout music playlists aim to be eclectic enough to help everyone find at least a couple of songs to add to their collection.
Running/Cardio
Say I – E40 and Too Short feat. Wiz Khalifa. Even if you are not a fan of hip hop, the insanely methodical and almost hypnotic rhythm and beat to this song will help you keep pushing the pace –whether it is on the treadmill or out in the open.
Bangarang – Skrillex. The energy which this track emits is unquestionable. The almost overwhelming instrumentals go great with such training as Crossfit, MMA sparring, or any type of high intensity workout.
Know Your Enemy – Rage Against the Machine. From the very moment this track’s intro starts, to when the beat drops in, to when it fully explodes with guitar riffs and intense vocals, this track has been a mainstay in my collection for when I need to push that little further and harder.
Lightning Crashes – Live. For those who know this song, or for those who rush off to YouTube to give a quick listen, this may seem like an odd choice given the songs that proceeded it. The slow and mellow opening minute or so gradually builds, and when the song finally bursts into life, you will feel so uplifted that you will feel like you’ve just had several coffees.
Still Ballin’ – 2Pac. High pace, high energy. This track suits almost any workout and keeps your head bobbing as you strive for new personal bests.
The Otherside – The Roots. I first heard this song as part of a training video montage, and its blend of hip hop, uplifting chorus, methodical beat, and catchy piano translates very well into most people’s training playlists.
Heart Attack – Demi Lovato. This is one of those songs that can energize pretty much anybody. Even if, like me, it isn’t exactly your “thing”, it’s hard to deny the power of songs such as this.
Hall of Fame – The Script feat. Will.I.am. It’s no coincidence that the UFC opted to use this track in one of their promotional videos; it’s as uplifting and inspiring as any song out there right now. Whether you like the band or not, they’ve produced a track that gets the blood pumping and the goose bumps raising.
11th Dimension – Julian Casablancas. The synth-rock-pop energy of this track always wakes me up and gives me added “bounce” when headed to training.
Stronger – Kanye West. Much like the Daft Punk original, this track is suited to working out. The reason that the Kanye version gets the nod is that its slower tempo actually gives it more power and keeps your feet hitting that road in front of you.
Lifting/power workouts
Made You Look – Nas. Frantic-sounding instrumentals, coupled with one of the most smooth-flowing rappers out there, result in a track that gets you moving.
I’m a Soldier– 2Pac. There were a couple of 2Pac songs vying for this spot. This track’s hypnotic instrumentals and bass-heavy beat means it gets the nod over others such as “Ambitions as a Rider”.
300 Violin Orchestra – Jorge Quintero. There’s a reason this song is used for countless training videos, highlight reels, and commercials –as well as various sports teams during the team walkouts. It ignites the warrior spirit.
Can’t Be Touched – Roy Jones Jr. One of the most motivating songs out there. Period.
Push It – Rick Ross. Even the title is telling you what you need to do. This type of deliberate and beat-driven hip hop tracks work so well for lifting playlists.
The Ghost of Tom Joad – Rage Against the Machine. Great guitar riffs, intense chorus, all broken up by slower, more methodical and purposeful verses. If this song doesn’t get your blood pumping, you need to see someone.
Breath of Life – Florence and the Machine. I am aware that this song sticks out like sore thumb on this playlist, but the epic-scale of this track, coupled with its uplifting build-up to the chorus, makes it a great addition to any workout playlist.
Kush – Dr Dre Feat. Snoop Dogg, Akon. Almost any Dr Dre produced track could make it onto most motivational playlists. His beats alone can fuel even the most intense of workouts, but when you add the good Dr and company on top, you get audio-gold.
Remember the Name – Fort Minor. I tried to avoid including this song as it seems almost cliché to do so. But then I played the song again. Just under 4 minutes of pure motivation.
Blunt Blowin – Lil Wayne. The almost orchestral background instrumental, with the jittery beat and understated, confident chorus, combine to keep a steady flow of motivation pouring from your earphones.
Yoga
Coincidentally, I attended two yoga classes in the weeks prior to writing this blog to maximize flexibility and functional strength for MMA. This meant I not only had a better idea as to what songs “fit” well within a yoga setting, but it meant I could survey some of my classmates to get a richer source of suitable tracks.
There There – Radiohead.
Release Your Spirit High – Stefano Bonacina.
Aqueous Transmission – Incubus.
Diem Ex Dei – Globus.
Paradise – Coldplay.
The Bad in Each Other – Feist.
Pills – The Perishers.
Bright Lights – Tom McRae.
Calgary – Bon Iver.
Passion Pit – Swimming in the Flood.
Each of these songs has its own energy – whether it is the slow-burning, epic “Diem Ex Dei”, or the more upbeat but still unassuming “Bright Lights”. They are all used in a different way entirely than the cardio and lifting playlists –which themselves are fairly interchangeable. Within a yoga setting, you want tracks that will calm, energize, focus, and motivate you. Happy listening!
About the Author
Former “lazy-teen” turned gym addict, Paul ‘Cardio’ Hackett became obsessed with getting bigger and stronger -and not always in the healthiest manner possible (In-N-Out burgers were justified with the phrase “its protein, its carbs, its gooood”). When getting into MMA, he decided that being 230 lbs. (a good 30lbs or so of which was NOT functional muscle, not even close!), was not his natural weight. He got onto the Dolce Diet after seeing the great work Mike had done with Quinton Jackson and Thiago Alves. Almost immediately after starting the Living Lean lifestyle, the weight started dropping quicker than Paul’s opponents! After a few short months, 230 lbs. became 190. Paul is now at his natural weight of around 175, and uses 3 Weeks to Shredded to EASILY make 145 lbs. when needed.
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