Whether you’re getting into the swing of a new workout routine or you already exercise regularly, chances are you’ve noticed that few things are as important as having the perfect soundtrack. Not only can the right music help you enjoy your workout more, but it can also help extend your workouts. In fact, psychologists have proven that fast songs can make you more energetic and increase your endurance. We’ve compiled this list of the 18 best motivational songs to listen to while you’re exercising.
From squats to intense cardio, we’ve chosen the perfect soundtrack for every kind of workout. So tune in ... and try to keep up as we run down this list of the best motivational songs for your workout.
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How We Reviewed
Image via Pixabay
The following songs were reviewed based on their basic features, benefits and perceived disadvantages, where to buy them and their beats per minute. Although everyone has their own purely subjective music tastes, we chose songs from all genres and styles to give you the most comprehensive list possible.
Music is most effective for your workout when it mirrors your heartbeat: that’s why we’ve chosen songs with a wide variety of eats per minute, otherwise known as BPMs. Slower songs work well for slower workouts, so it stands to reason then that faster songs work best for faster workouts. Similarly, people will have better workouts if they are listening to music they can relate to.
The songs on this list cover a vast range of emotions, meanings and tempos. Some may not work for you, while others will. Feel free to pick and choose for new additions to your workout playlist. One thing they all have in common, you'll notice, is that they are some of the best motivational songs to exercise to that you can find.
Overall Price Range
All of the following songs may be purchased and downloaded from Amazon.com for around $1.29 each. However, they may also be streamed from Amazon with either an Amazon Prime or Amazon Music subscription. Additionally, if you would like to purchase any of the full albums that these songs appear on, you may also do so on Amazon, with the average cost being around $10 per album.
What We Reviewed
via Giphy
- "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars
- "Cheap Thrills" by Sia
- "Work from Home" by Fifth Harmony featuring Ty Dolla $ign
- "Good Feeling" by Flo Rida
- "Push It" by Salt-N-Pepa
- "Demons" by Imagine Dragons
- "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke
- "Thunderstruck" by ACDC
- "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic
- "Praise You" (Radio Edit) by Fatboy Slim
- "Titanium" by David Guetta and Sia
- "Wake Me Up" by Avicii
- "Save the World" by Swedish House Mafia
- "Don't Stop Believin'" by Journey
- "Thunder" by Imagine Dragons
- "Girl on Fire" by Alicia Keys
- "Dream On" by Aerosmith
- "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
'Uptown Funk' by Bruno Mars
[amazon box=”B07FPYBPW2″]
When Bruno Mars first released this song in 2014, it was an instant hit. Its thick, groovy bass line, funky guitars and steady beat has made dancing seem contagious for almost five years now, without it losing its touch over time. In fact, it’s that irresistible groove that makes "Uptown Funk" one of the best motivational songs. There are both explicit and clean versions of this song.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B07FPYBPW2″ value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
‘Uptown Funk’ clocks in at 115 BPM, making it the perfect song for any moderate workout, such as dance exercise or lifting weights. It's a contagious groove will make you feel the power of every repetition. However, if you are trying to keep a faster pace, you may feel yourself slowing down to match the beat of the song.
'Cheap Thrills' by Sia
[amazon box=”B017I55XSS”]
When Sia released this song in 2016, she captivated us all with beautiful vocal melodies over a driving drum beat. It’s that drumbeat that makes this one of the best motivational songs for exercising. Once again, the saying holds true: if you can dance to it, you can exercise to it.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B017I55XSS” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
"Cheap Thrills" has a BPM of 90. This is on the slower side, but the funky and busy drumbeat makes it seem faster than that. This is a perfect song for warming up.
'Work from Home' by Fifth Harmony, featuring Ty Dolla $ign
[amazon box=”B01GOQF5RQ”]
This song has been stuck in everyone’s head since its 2016 release. The catchy vocal melody and memorable lyrics make it a great song to work out to. Let the women of Fifth Harmony serenade you with one of the best motivational songs of our time.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B01GOQF5RQ” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
This song clocks in at 105 BPM, so it also is a little on the slower side. However, it’s perfect to warm up to, jog to or even do some lightweight lifting.
'Good Feeling' by Flo Rida
[amazon box=”B00BPB8KGO”]
Since 2011, we’ve all heard this song and its instantly recognizable sample of Etta James’ classic song of the same title in everything from car commercials to DJ mixes. That’s because it’s catchy, danceable and motivational. Seriously, how can anyone hear this song and not instantly feel great?
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00BPB8KGO” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
"Good Feeling" has a BPM of 124, making it the perfect song for cycling, running or lifting. Feel the song pumping through your headphones as you break a sweat.
'Push It' by Salt-N-Pepa
[amazon box=”B07G7YWGQB”]
This song became an instant classic when it was released in 1986. This song still holds appeal more than 20 years later. This is one of the best motivational songs because, like the title suggests, it truly encourages all to "Push It."
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B07G7YWGQB” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
At 127 BPM, this song is perfect for cardio workouts. Find the rhythm and lock in with every step or spin!
'Demons' by Imagine Dragons
[amazon box=”B00B97TNVU”]
Although this song is on the slower side, it is still one of the best motivational songs of our time. Just the vocals and the piano alone are enough to make us feel something.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00B97TNVU” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
This song clocks in around 90 BPM. That makes it a perfect warm-up or cool-down song.
'Blurred Lines' by Robin Thicke
[amazon box=”B00E0FOZ7A”]
In 2013, Robin Thicke (son of actor Alan Thicke) captivated us all with his feel-good, instant classic of a song, "Blurred Lines." The song itself is reminiscent of older soul tunes with a modern twist. It's a danceable beat with catchy vocals, making it a perfect song for almost any workout.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00E0FOZ7A” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
This song is a solid 121 BPM. That makes it perfect for anything from a jog to light weightlifting.
'Thunderstruck' by ACDC
[amazon box=”B00O75ROUI”]
This song has been a classic for sports fans and rockers alike since 1990. Its heavy guitars, driving rhythm section and catchy vocals make it instantly recognizable.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00O75ROUI” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
At 133 BPM, ‘Thunderstruck’ is one of the fastest songs on this list. That makes it perfect for intense cardio workouts such as cycling or even weightlifting.
'Counting Stars' by OneRepublic
[amazon box=”B00JJOG4D0″]
Since 2013, ‘Counting Stars’ has filled the airwaves with its insanely catchy chorus and guitar riffs. The emotional lyrics help make it one of the best motivational songs to work out to.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00JJOG4D0″ value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
This song has a BPM of 122, meaning it’s pretty mid-tempo. It makes a great soundtrack for most cardio workouts.
'Praise You' (Radio Edit) by Fatboy Slim
[amazon box=”B000SXBMII”]
This song has undoubtedly been one of the best motivational songs since its release in 1998. Everything from the vocals to the drumbeat and the piano loop is memorable and inspiring. Turn the volume up and let this song burn your calories for you.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B000SXBMII” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
"Praise You" has a BPM of 110, which is a bit slower than one might expect, considering how energetic this song is. However, it’s still perfect for most any cardio routine.
'Titanium' by David Guetta and Sia
[amazon box=”B005IKZ2W8I”]
In 2011, the world was blessed with this powerful collaboration between two of today’s top artists. Sia’s voice over Guetta’s music makes for one of the best motivational songs we’ve ever heard.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B005IKZ2W8″ value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
At 126 BPM, this song is perfect for almost any workout. We suggest lifting weights to this song, because it gets us “pumped.” Get it?
'Wake Me Up' by Avicii
[amazon box=”B00F0AIBJC”]
There’s no denying that, before his untimely death, Avicii was one of the greatest musicians of our time. That’s why it’s no surprise that "Wake Me Up" is one of the best motivational songs out there.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00F0AIBJC” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
This song clocks in at 124 BPM. However, it isn’t as high energy as some other songs with similar BPM’s. That’s why we suggest it as more of a warm-up song.
'Save the World' by Swedish House Mafia
[amazon box=”B004Y6R7PC”]
In 2012, Swedish House Mafia graced us with this beautiful song and a very pure message. This song is not only motivational for individuals, but also for the human race as a whole.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B004Y6R7PC” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
At 127 BPM, this is one of the faster songs on this list. However, it simply doesn’t carry as much energy as some other selections. That’s why we suggest it for moderate workouts.
'Don't Stop Believin' by Journey
[amazon box=”B00137GHF6″]
This song has been sung an infinite amount of times by almost everyone on this planet since 1981. Although it’s not one of the fastest songs on this list, it does implore us all to never stop “Believin’,” and if that doesn’t make it one of the best motivational songs, then what does?
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00137GHF6″ value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
At 119 BPM, this is one of the slower songs on the list. However, that doesn’t make it any less motivational! A good balance of slower and faster songs is key to a great workout playlist.
'Thunder' by Imagine Dragons
[amazon box=”B07RLT94BS”]
The fact that they are on this list twice proves that Imagine Dragons has written some of the best motivational songs of our time. "Thunder" is no exception. The lyrics carry a ton of energy and the chorus is undeniably catchy.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B07RLT94BS” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
This song is one of the fastest on this list by far, with a tempo of 168 BPM. However, it isn’t too fast (which is important) and it grooves.
'Girl On Fire' by Alicia Keys
[amazon box=”B00DCKEL9Q”]
When Alicia Keys released this song five years ago, she shocked us all again with her dynamic vocal range and beautiful songwriting. Although this song doesn’t necessarily make you want to dance, its lyrics are definitely motivational.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00DCKEL9Q” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
"Girl On Fire" has a BPM of 92, so we recommend it for either weightlifting, warming up or cooling down.
'Dream On' by Aerosmith
[amazon box=”B00137MGUG”]
This has been one of the best motivational songs since it was initially released in 1973. It’s not fast, but it’s emotional, inspiring and catchy.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B00137MGUG” value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
"Dream On"clocks in at 80 BPM. Since it’s so slow, it’s a great song for warming up or cooling down.
'Somewhere Over The Rainbow' by Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
[amazon box=”B076GYHWM8″]
Since this song was released in 1990, it has been featured in countless movies, soundtracks and the like. That’s because it’s so simple, beautiful and inspirational. It is undoubtedly one of the best motivational songs of the past century.
Pros
Cons
Where to Buy
[amazon fields=”B076GYHWM8″ value=”button”]
Beats per Minute
At 86 BPM, this is a perfect song for cooling down at the end of your workout.
Verdict- What Makes the Best Motivational Songs?
Image via Pixabay
In conclusion, you’re really the best judge of what music is best for you to listen to while you work out. After all, what you consider to be the best motivational songs, someone else may consider a lullaby, and vice versa.
However, it is important to bear in mind that there is a science behind creating the perfect exercise soundtrack. The right motivational songs can boost your endurance, your physical strength and your aerobic fitness. So put your headphones in, get out there and tear it up!
Featured Image via Pixabay