55 Best Workout Songs Of All Time

Psyching yourself up for a workout can take a lot of convincing sometimes. Instead of relying on yourself, consider making the ultimate playlist with these some of the best workout songs of all time. Turn it on, turn it up, and you’ll have your heart pumping in no time.

“Survivor” by Destiny’s Child

Song year: 2001

You won’t feel alone during your workout with these three badass ladies crooning in your ears. Beyoncé wrote the song in response to critics comparing her rotating band members to the TV show Survivor, turning that negativity into a hit single.

“Stronger” by Kanye West

Song year: 2007

In this pumping song, Kanye raps about how anything that doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. When you’re halfway through your workout, this is precisely the message you need to hear. He makes you go harder, better, and faster to get stronger.

“Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift

Song year: 2014

You can’t have a playlist with Kanye West and leave out Taylor Swift. She’s rocking this song that’s going to make your body move—just make sure you stick to your workout and don’t get distracted by your dance moves.

“Good as Hell” by Lizzo

Song year: 2016

It’s kind of funny that a song about doing your hair and checking your nails can be so empowering, but Lizzo nails it with this song. It’s got a killer beat, so you can pace yourself whether you’re running, jumping rope, lifting weights, or counting off other exercises.

This is a great song to listen to while you work out, but it’s also an excellent final track. As you cool down and catch your breath, you’re sure to feel Good as Hell.

“Lose Control” by Missy Elliott

Song year: 2005

Before Lizzo, there was Missy Elliott, but with this song, Elliott proves that she’s not going anywhere. She raps about a party getting out of control in the best way. The beat will push you to rock your body along with Elliott’s signature flow. This is one of the best songs to work out to if you want a pounding beat in the background while you exercise.

“Believer” by Imagine Dragons

Song year: 2017

This song has a beat that chugs ahead, slow and steady, and will inspire you to do the same during your workout. The lyrics are simple but powerful.

Lead singer Dan Reynolds wrote the song about dealing with painful things in life, things like anxiety, disease, depression, and feeling overwhelmed. That alone should push you to make it through your exercises. You can do this!

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

Song year: 1982

Talk about an oldie but a goodie! “Eye of the Tiger” is that song everyone knows, thanks to Rocky III. And just like that movie should inspire you to push yourself during a workout, the song itself harnesses that energy.

“Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen

Song year: 1980

Sylvester Stallone, who directed and acted in the previously mentioned Rocky III, actually wanted to use “Another One Bites the Dust” for their movie’s theme song. Queen didn’t give permission, so he chose “Eye of the Tiger” instead.

The fact that it was Sly’s top choice shows you that “Another One Bites the Dust” is one of the best songs you can work out to. If that steady beat doesn’t get your body moving, nothing will.

“Lose Yourself” by Eminem

Song year: 2002

You have to think that if Sly was making a Rocky movie now, he’d want to use “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. His anger in the lyrics will help you push your limits, and the beats inspire you to keep your workout rhythm going strong.

“Push It” by Salt-N-Pepa

Song year: 1988

Go old-school cool with this track from Salt-N-Pepa. You might struggle to stay on task with your exercises because these beats make you want to dance. Once you learn the words, you’ll most likely treat it like a call and response song, which is sure to get your adrenaline pumping.

“Body Movin’ (Fatboy Slim Remix)” by the Beastie Boys

Song year: 1998

It’s no surprise that a song called “Body Movin’” is one you need to have on your workout playlist. Even the lyrics inspire you to work out carefully, calling for flips without slipping a disc.

“Pump Up the Jam” by Technotronic

Song year: 1989

This is one of my favorite songs to workout to. If you don’t like to work out to music with lyrics that might throw you off of your rhythm, then this song is for you. It has lyrics, but they’re so simple and repetitive that they won’t distract you. Most importantly, they’ll inspire you to move your body, pump iron (or the jam), and push yourself to your limits.

“Chop Suey” by System of a Down

Song year: 2001

Some people think that hard rock songs are too heavy for exercise, but the pounding drums and guitars on this song make it a must for any workout playlist. The song builds up at a steady pace and then explodes in your head, ensuring you’ll go wild with energy when you hear it.

“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson

Song year: 2014

This song is a recent hit, but it’s got a timeless Motown feel that will get you moving. The lyrics encourage you to show your haters that you can get things done, calling them to watch you so they’ll stop doubting you. Plus, it never hurts to hear lyrics about being too hot when you’re working out to get your body looking its best.

“The Love You Save” by the Jackson 5

Song year: 1970

Let’s face it. Your whole workout playlist can’t be heavy-hitters, or else you’ll burn out. Have a little fun with the Jackson 5 and dance through the hardest parts of your exercises. You’re sure to enjoy dancing as a form of working out, too.

“Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” by C+C Music Factory

Song year: 1990

This song might have the word “dance” in the title, but that doesn’t mean it’s not one of the best songs to work out to. You probably know it better by the subtitle of “Everybody Dance Now,” but it doesn’t matter what you call it—this song is going to get your blood pumping.

“Kiss Off” by Violent Femmes

Song year: 1983

This song starts with a twangy guitar that might make you wonder how it made it onto this list. If you stick with it, though, you’ll understand how the song ramps up and pushes the limits. You’ll want to scream right along with the chorus before taking it back down to a quieter verse.

“Welcome to the Jungle” by Guns N Roses

Song year: 1988

Guns N Roses was the biggest rock band in the ’80s, and this is their signature song that never fails to pump you up. If you want to add some interesting moves to your workout routine, watch the video and see how you can make Axl Rose’s crab dance your own.

“Killing in the Name Of” by Rage Against the Machine

Song year: 1991

This song has a violent title, but the lyrics are timely. If social justice gets your heart racing, Rage Against the Machine is the band for you. This song chugs along slowly and steadily – just like you in the middle of your workout. It ramps up at the crucial moment, so you get an energy boost and finish with your blood pounding.

“Rise” by the Cult

Song year: 2001

This song starts slow, with lyrics that will make you feel connected to the world around you, and especially your loved ones. But the chorus picks up the pace, and you feel inspired by the repetition of the idea you hear: “Still you rise.”

“Sexy Back” by Justin Timberlake – A Popular Song To Workout To

Song year: 2006

You want a song that pushes you to harness all of your energy and power when you’re working out, but there’s nothing wrong with feeling a little sexy at the same time. Timberlake brings sexy back with this song. It has a pulsing rhythm that hits just right when you’re running or lifting weights.

“The Seed (2.0)” by the Roots

Song year: 2002

Keep it sexy with this slow jam that’s great to listen to when you’re stretching, lifting, or cooling down. It’s hard to label it as rock, pop, reggae, or anything else, so you can just say that it defies all genres. Instead, it gives you guitar, keyboards, and drums to push your workout when you hit the inevitable plateau.

“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy” by N-Trance

Song year: 1998

This sexy song with a thumping beat samples Rod Stewart’s classic single. But N-Trance puts a modern spin on it. You’ll feel tempted to dance when you hear it, but the bass line will push you through even the hardest parts of your workout.

“A-Punk” by Vampire Weekend

Song year: 2008

Since the Jackson 5 got your pop music flowing, keep up the vibe with “A-Punk” by Vampire Weekend. This upbeat little ditty passes in a flash, but it sounds happy enough to make you forget you’re working out. If you listen to the lyrics, however, you might hear a different story. There’s something new to catch every time you listen to this one.

“Kick Out the Jams” by MC5

Song year: 1969

It’s time to go retro for a few songs that will blow your mind. You might think that music back in the day was tame, but “Kick Out the Jams” is a great song for your workout playlist. Rolling Stone deems this album as the forerunner of punk rock, so you know it slams.

“Rock Me Gently” by Andy Kim

Song year: 1974

It’s a hard shift from early punk to something with “Gently” in the title here, but don’t let that word distract you. This song might not inspire you to overthrow the government, but it has a great rhythm that will keep you on track for your exercises.

“Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS

Song year: 1975

Everyone knows this song, and it’s a classic for a reason. You’re going to get caught up in the energy of the track. The repetitive lyrics that might grind your nerves on a road trip are perfect for a workout. You don’t have to worry about losing count of your reps with this song in the background.

“You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC

Song year: 1980

You’re entering the ’80s with this track, but it’s got the same ’70s rock vibes as the previous few songs. You’ll love how the guitars and drums push you forward in your workout. The lyrics will push you to make your body do the most.

“Move” by Saint Motel

Song year: 2016

You can already tell by the title that this song is perfect for a workout mix. The lyrics deal more with a relationship, but the chorus inspires you to move your body with the music, along with the word itself. The whole song is a pop delight, though, so you’ll find your body moving with ease for the entire three-minute track.

“Look Around” by Red Hot Chili Peppers

Song year: 2011

In true Red Hot Chili Pepper fashion, the lyrics to this song don’t make much sense. But that doesn’t matter once you hear the beat. It’ll get in your head and make you want to jump around and dance. This is a great song for jumping rope, running, or lifting weights. No matter what you’re doing, you’re going to feel pumped up.

“Synthesizers” by Butch Walker

Song year: 2012

When you hear the beginning of this song, you might wonder why it’s on a workout playlist. But the first verse steadily leads up to an incredible chorus that will push you to your limits. The catchy lyrics will have you singing the song in your head while you’re running, lifting, or stretching.

“Sugar We’re Goin’ Down” by Fall Out Boy

Song year: 2005

The emo bands of the early aughts not only knew how to hit you where it hurts but also how to rile you up, so you had the energy to burn. You’ll find power in the line about going down swinging, while the rhythm itself will help you push your way to the end of your routine.

“Fancy Footwork” by Chromeo

Song year: 2007

Some of the best songs to work out to are arguably dance songs. They have a beat that’s sure to get your body moving without you even thinking about it. Sometimes that’s all you need to get started. Once you’re warmed up, you’re ready to pump iron with a catchy soundtrack playing in the background.

“Sad Sad City” by Ghostland Observatory

Song year: 2006

This song might give you some “Don’t Stop Believin’” vibes due to its classic lyrics, but the music itself sounds fresh and innovative. You’ll have no problem keeping your motor runnin’ while this song plays during your workout.

“Here It Goes Again” by OK Go, One Of The Best Workout Songs

Song year: 2005

When the band records their dance routine on treadmills, you know you’ve found a classic workout song. This track is catchy without making so much sense that you find yourself getting caught up in the lyrics. Instead, the beat constantly moves forward so you’re pushing yourself to get the most out of your exercise routine.

“Hero” by Childish Gambino

Song year: 2010

Donald Glover masters the art of creating a catchy song with rap verses that will resonate with you. This song is all about doing everything, working hard, and making something of yourself. Whether you listen to the lyrics or just let the beat keep you moving, this song is a must-have on your workout playlist.

“Blow Me (One Last Kiss)” by P!nk

Song year: 2012

Who doesn’t love a little attitude while they’re working out? P!nk delivers in this cheeky song about letting go of someone who’s holding you back. Not only will the lyrics empower you, but the blood pumping through your veins will make you feel like the badass you are.

“Be My Lover” by La Bouche

Song year: 1992

P!nk set you on a road of female empowerment, and La Bouche keeps it going. This song rocks, with the title repeated over and over so that you think it’s the beat. The lyrics talk about being confident regardless of what a potential love interest thinks of you, so it’s the perfect track to get you through a sweaty workout as you become your best self.

“What Is Love” by Haddaway

Song year: 1993

Here’s another song to workout to, this one became popular thanks to a Saturday Night Live skit, but it’s far from a joke. It’s got a pounding beat that pushes your body to move. The lyrics are catchy but fade into the background easily if you’re concentrating on counting your reps.

“Knockers” by the Darkness

Song year: 2005

This song has a little bit of everything: rock and roll, dance beats, and hilarious lyrics. You’ll love lead singer Justin Hawkins’ falsetto as it pushes you to your limit. Before you know it, this three-minute song will be over, and you’ll have made it through the most torturous part of your workout.

“Killin’ It” by Foxy Shazam

Song year: 2010

Sometimes you just need to hear that you’re killin’ it, and this song does just that. It’s one of the best songs to work out to because, like the Darkness, this band has a lead singer who’s not afraid of the falsetto. The powerful voice makes you feel like he’s cheering you on while you kill your workout, even if it feels like a one-way ticket to hell.

“Groove Me” by Maximum Balloon

Song year: 2010

As you might expect from the title, this song has a solid groove. Put it in the right position on your playlist, and you’ll get maximum results – no pun intended. It’s got a beat to keep you going, and the lyrics mimic that pace, so you feel like your earbuds are pushing you forward.

“Kiss This” by the Struts

Song year: 2014

There’s nothing wrong with a little bit of attitude when you work out – and the Struts deliver. This song is all about the people who took advantage of you. It empowers you to move on and better yourself, which goes hand-in-hand with your whole purpose of exercising!

“Call It What You Want” by Foster the People

Song year: 2011

The lyrics to this song are a bit repetitive and reminiscent of “Rock and Roll All Nite” by KISS, but that doesn’t detract from the energy it conveys. The beat pulses in this song. It starts with a bang, so you hear the chorus first thing.

“Midnight City” by M83

Song year: 2011

This odd song sounds like aliens landing in your gym, but there’s something about the robotic beat that’s perfect for working out. The strange vocalizations sound like yips or gibberish, depending on your interpretation, but they work well to pump you up.

“What’s My Age Again” by blink-182

Song year: 1999

blink-182 are masters at joking around, and this song doesn’t miss that mark. The lyrics tell a story that’s a great way to distract yourself when you feel like you’re about to give up. Then they’ll have you laughing, so you want to keep exercising, just to hear the end of the song.

“Fat Lip” by Sum 41

Song year: 2001

Like blink-182, Sum 41 doesn’t take themselves too seriously. “Fat Lip” is a fun song that makes you feel like you’re in the mosh pit at your favorite band’s show. You’ll want to kick out, dance, and flail—just make sure you harness that energy into your actual exercise routine.

“You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” by The Offspring

Song year: 2008

This song is equal parts encouraging and hating everyone who’s kept you down. The lyrics tell off anyone who tries to stand in your way while telling you that you have what it takes. Set to rocking guitars and drums, this track is crucial for a workout mix.

“You Oughta Know” by Alanis Morissette

Song year: 1995

Believe it or not, this iconic track is one of the best workout songs of all time. As you listen, you can feel Morissette’s anger building up until she spews it all out at the chorus. It’s a great song for bursts of exercises when you need to push yourself, then have a quick letdown, then push again.

“La La” by Ashlee Simpson

Song year: 2004

This song delivers even more female attitude to push your way through your routine. Simpson sings about not being the person you’d think, based on her looks. It’s perfect for listening to as you exercise because you’re proving your strength to others.

“Electric Feel” by MGMT

Song year: 2007

After so much attitude and anger, bring it back a bit with a solid dance track. This song is all about power, shock, and electricity, which you’ll feel running through your veins when you listen to it. The beat will make you want to dance, and it’ll give you just enough energy to finish your routine.

“I Wanna Go” by Britney Spears

Song year: 2011

It’s nearly impossible to pick just one song from Britney Spears because so many of her tracks are energetic. “I Wanna Go” wins because she’s singing about release, being inappropriate, and acting out—all things that are sure to pump you up when you’re working out.

“Hot in Herre” by Nelly

Song year: 2002

Following the sexy, fun dance track by Britney Spears is the Nelly classic, “Hot in Herre.” This song is fun to rap along to, but if you’re swept up in your exercises, then you’ll still appreciate the beat. Nelly is the master of matching his lyrics to the rhythm, so you’ll have no problem pushing through the challenging parts of your workout.

“I Turn My Camera On” by Spoon

Song year: 2005

These lyrics by Spoon are fun to sing along to, but even if you’re working out without hearing the words, you can’t deny the strength of the beat. You’ll feel like you’re marching along, even if you’re staying in one place and lifting weights.

“Little Talks” by Of Monsters and Men

Song year: 2011

The lyrics of this song are, strangely, a bit of a downer, so it’s best to use it as a cool-down song and focus more on the music. It has a great beat and sing-songy quality that helps you steady your breathing and stretch your muscles after going hard.

Best Workout Songs Ever, Final Thoughts

Research shows it’s essential to make a playlist of the best workout songs of all time. While there of course are so many great songs to choose from, these are some of the best. If these songs don’t pump you up, nothing will.