On the dance floor, you can’t help but get up and groove when YOUR song comes on—and it’s the same thing when you’re working out! It’s so much easier to find the motivation to get on that treadmill or elliptical trainer when you’re listening to a good beat, right? So we’ve compiled a playlist of our favourite workout songs that will take you from your warm-up all the way to stretches!
First, warm up
Before starting your workout, you’ll need a few songs with a good beat that will get your motivation high, but will start you out slow.
Its rhythmic crescendo makes this song the perfect motivation to get on that treadmill!
* Physical by Olivia Newton-John
A classic to work out to—even though you know Olivia wasn’t really referring to exercise when she sang the chorus “Let’s get physical, physical”!
Next, cardio
For the cardio part of your workout, you’ll need some fast-paced songs to get you moving!
* Let’s Get It Started by Black Eyed Peas
Just like the song says, there’s no better way to “get started”.
Nelly’s perfect bod alone should be enough to make you want to get in shape.
* Survivor by Destiny’s Child
The ultimate tune to give you an energy boost; just think back to the boot camp / army / kick boxing style video.
A cult hit from the movie Flashdance, it’s totally eighties, and a great song to accompany the more intense part of your workout.
* Let’s Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez
A classic tune to exercise to, it’s also what we like to call a “happy song”—perfect to get you moving!
* Hollaback Girl by Gwen Stefani
We’ve always loved Gwen, but with this one, she’s made us want to have abs like hers, too.
It’s impossible to resist this super-melodic song despite its incongruous tempo.
One of the hits featured in The Devil Wears Prada, we love it for its acid-pop feel and for its message: when you want something (like to get fit), you go for it (on the stationary bike).
For a booty like Beyoncé’s, why not work out to Bootylicious?
Finally, the stretches
After the cardio phase of the workout, it’s important to stretch your muscles. These songs are perfect to cooling down.
* Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira and Wyclef Jean
This sensual song is perfect for shifting between your intense cardio routine and your stretches. This one is also great to roll your hips to in front of the hot guys at the gym!
Wow! This is definitely one of our favourite songs of the summer—and when Mika says to relax, believe us, you will! Use this tune as a cue for your body to calm down and rest a little. You’ll finish your workout refreshed and simply invigorated!
