8 Tips for Creating the Most Motivating Workout Playlist Around

Hate exercise? You’re certainly not alone. But the good news is workout music can actually transform how you view your time spent at the gym or pounding the pavement. And don’t just take my word for it. Research suggests that listening to music increases the enjoyment of exercise by up to 28 percent, helping you work out harder, longer and faster. 

So whether it’s bopping to Britpop, cycling to Psytrance or deadlifting to donk, you can be sure that the right workout playlist will get you moving. Here are 8 tips for creating the most motivating workout playlist around. 

#1: Start Strong

Before you begin your workout, you might feel distracted, tired or reluctant. That’s why it’s super important to pick your absolute favorite song as an opener to get you motivated to move. Because getting going and showing up is half the battle, why not pick a dancefloor fave to kick off your motivating workout playlist and get you in the groove?

Starting your workout sassy and strong will keep you motivated throughout the duration of your workout. Now crank up that 90s nostalgia pop! Or maybe that’s just me…

#2: Calculate Your Pace

Make sure your workout pace matches the BPM (beats per minute) of the songs you choose for your playlist. If you’re running or cycling, count your strides over a 60-second period. You’ll typically complete 150-190 strides per minute and cycle at around 80-110 revolutions per minute. For optimal results, match the BPM of the music you choose to your strides or revolutions. 

If you’re doing a HIIT workout, your rhythm will sync to the music you play, so keep it nice and energetic—150 to 170 BPM.

In general, songs that range between 120 to 140 BPM are ideal for getting your heart rate in sync with the music. The faster that blood pumps, the more oxygen you’re sending to your brain and the better your workouts will be. 

#3: Choose Silly

We all know that working out isn’t all fun and games—it can be tiring, grueling and has the potential to be pretty dull if you’re not careful. That’s why you should grab the LOLs when you can. 

Guess what? The more fun you’re having listening to your favorite tunes, the more you’ll look forward to your workouts and associate them with something positive. Throw in a couple of silly, smile-splitting wild cards in your playlist and you’ll break any built-up tension of your workout. Take it from someone who still vividly remembers the chicken dance song being played during a spin class in 2015. I went wild!

#4: Mix It Up

Did you know that listening to music as you work out has incredible health benefits? Music distracts you from pain and fatigue, elevates your mood, increases endurance, reduces perceived effort and may even promote metabolic efficiency? 

This is why it’s a good idea to change up the style of music. Maybe Mariachi mash-up is your one true love. But that shouldn’t stop you from dabbling in a different genre. Switching things up will give your brain more to take in and process, giving your body the chance to push itself even more.

#5: Pump Up the Volume

Ever noticed you begin to work harder when the volume is pumped up? So crank up that music a little louder, especially as you near the end of your workout. You may just need that one final push! After all, the finish line won’t move, but your spirits will.

#6: Don’t Forget the Cooldown

Cooling down after a workout is just as important as warming up. Your heart rate should return to normal, your breathing should slow down and your body temperature should lower. So, you might want something a little slower to ease you back into reality and into that much needed cooldown stretch. 

A cooldown playlist should feature songs that will keep you feeling accomplished, while steadying your heart rate. Forget BPM—your finishing track should be slow and chill, reflecting the endorphins that are flooding your body.

#7: Share Your Playlist With Friends 

You’ve created the best, most motivating, toe-tapping playlist around and you’re feeling awesome! Why not share it with your friends? It’s no secret that having a workout partner helps you stay connected and holds you accountable. And sharing your new kick-ass playlist with them will strengthen this bond even further.

DM your workout buddy, post it in your group chats or share it on social—do whatever it takes to get the word out. Or take it one step further and start a shared workout playlist with your buddies. 

Related: Top 5 Reasons Why Having a Workout Buddy Is the Best Thing You Can Do for Your Health

#8: Make It Special 

Don’t be tempted to listen to the playlist outside of your workout time. You want to associate it with breaking a sweat, not taking a break at work.

A well-thought-out workout playlist can be the difference between having a mediocre and a kick-ass workout. So choose your tunes wisely and groove your way toward your fitness goals. 

Related: Gymondo Integrates Spotify to Enhance Your Workouts

Takeaway 

There’s no right or wrong way to build a workout playlist, Hopefully these tips and tricks will help you create the best playlist for you. Remember—much like your workouts, your playlists will adapt and change with your tastes and preferences. So be open, have fun and let the music carry you to a higher plane—or at least help get you through your workout.

Why not post your own motivating workout playlists in the comments below and share the tunes that help you sweat?

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