You walk into the Don Taft University Center with your sneakers, gym shorts and T-shirt on. You swipe your shark card and walk upstairs to the Recplex. You walk over to the elliptical, put your headphones in and press play. But what are you listening to?
When you run on the treadmill, lift weights or use the leg press, you need music that will keep you motivated. You need that song to play at just the right time to help you run that last mile, do that last rep or keep going a minute longer.
Whether you’re into hip hop, rock or pop these are the songs to help give you that perfect workout playlist.
“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor: If this song could motivate Rocky Balboa to defeat the scary Clubber Lang in Rocky III, it can definitely help you defeat the last few crunches standing between you and beach-body victory.
“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey: Journey may have been talking about a small town girl and a city boy, but that story goes out the window at the gym. All you need to worry about is pushing it extra hard when that chorus comes in.
“Stronger” by Kanye West: The title says it all. Picture yourself as a well-oiled machine and your motive is to be “better, faster, and stronger” than the competition.
“Gasolina” by Daddy Yankee: Even if you have no idea what Daddy Yankee is talking about in this song, the aggressive, pulsating, pounding beat is perfect for cardio.
“Jumpin’ Jumpin’” by Destiny’s Child: I don’t think any guy would admit to working out to a song with lyrics about getting your nails done and leaving your man at home. However, ladies, get your sweat on and get toned to hit the club and show off your gym bod.
“Don’t Cha” by the Pussycat Dolls: Perfect song for Stripper Aerobics. Feel free to let loose if you’re working out in your living room.
“Shut Up and Let Me Go” by the Ting Tings: This is just the right amount of upbeat to make your boring run on the treadmill a little exciting.
“Here it Goes Again” by OK Go: This is a fun song that you should listen to when you’re feeling a bit lazy about even getting out to the gym. You’ve just got to do it. It’ll pay off.
“Pump it” by the Black Eyed Peas: If the Black Eyed Peas are good for anything, it’s making music that gets everyone excited. Why not implement that mentality into your workout.
“Numb/Encore” by Jay-Z and Linkin Park: If there are some boxing gloves and a punching bag around, you’ll need them when this song comes on. It’ll get you going.
So what are you still reading for? Buy a few new songs on iTunes and hit the gym. Hopefully, this playlist will keep you going ‘til you can’t run, lift or press any more.
