So, get those AirPods charged! It’s time to update that playlist with the top 50 best workout songs for a more effective workout—from pop and rock to hip-hop and rap.
50 Best Workout Songs
1. “Level Up” by Ciara
It doesn’t matter if you’re biking, running, walking, or lifting; “Level Up” by Ciara practically forces you to do whatever you’re doing, but harder, thanks to its fast-paced tempo and motivational lyrics. Ready to level up?
2. “Nice for What” by Drake
If “Nice For What” by Drake happens to come on your Peloton playlist, then you know you’re in for it! Inspired by classic bounce music from the New Orleans club scene, Drake says it best in the beginning when he called it a track to “cut up to.”
3. “Do It Again” by Pia feat. Chris Brown and Tyga
Nice to nice to know ya, let’s do it again! A TikTok favorite, “Do It Again” by Pia Mia featuring Chris Brown and Tyga may make you want to dance instead of work out, but it’s all exercise.
4. “Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande
In the number one spot of Peloton’s Top 50 Playlist is “Rain On Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande and it’s not hard to see why. Not only was this pop jam one of the top tracks of 2020, but the music video also has such amazing choreography, recreations of the dances went viral on TikTok.
5. “Mo Money, Mo Problems” by The Notorious B.I.G. feat. Mase & Puff Daddy
It may not be scientifically proven, but something physical happens to the body when listening to “Mo Money, Mo Problems.” Especially if you’re a 90s baby!
6. “Back That Azz Up” by Juvenile
Peloton riders love this booty-shaking song… and for good reason. It’s got all the makings for a perfect workout song: the beat, the bounce, and the bass.
7. “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston
Another top favorite from Peloton’s most-loved playlist, “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” isn’t just an upbeat tune that gets you on the dance floor at like, every wedding ever. It’s also the perfect combo of motivational lyrics and a strong beat that you need to kill it at the gym.
8. “Work B*tch” by Britney Spears
We couldn’t say it better ourselves, Britney. Do you want a hot body? You better work, b*tch!
9. “Good As Hell” by Lizzo
Lizzo’s “Good As Hell” is appropriate for just about all occasions (IMHO) but it’s particularly appropriate for a gym time sweat sesh. Why? There’s no way you can’t feel good about yourself (and your workout) while lip-syncing along to lyrics like, “I’m feeling good as hell!”
10. “F**ckin’ Problems” by A$AP ROCKY feat. Drake, 2 Chainz, Kendrick Lamar
TBH, I’ve never run harder than when listening to “F**cking Problems” by A$AP Rocky. Just sayin'.
11. “Country Grammar (Hot Sh*t) by Nelly
Some Nelly songs need to stay at the club—“Hot in Hurr,” we’re looking at you—but when it comes to this iconic rapper, who wouldn’t want to burn some calories to “Country Grammar?”
12. “Titanium” by David Guetta feat. Sia
Where are all the treadmill runners at? This one’s for you because you are titanium!
13. “Physical” by Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa sounds good just about everywhere—at the bar, in the car—but there’s something special about listening to “Physical” while breaking a sweat.
14. “Kiss” by Prince
Prince needs no introduction.
15. “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga
A now-classic LGBTQ+ anthem from the early 00s, “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga should be listened to always, especially when you’re working on those ab crunches.
16. “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift feat. Kendrick Lamar
Even if you’re not a total fan of the original “Bad Blood” by Taylor Swift, the music video version remix in which Kendrick Lamar has not one but two (!) rap verses was practically made for the gym (and for fall-outs with your high school BFF, but who keeps track of those?!).
17. “Livin’ On a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
Woah, you’re halfway there! Woah, when you’re working out you’re quite literally living on a prayer.
18. “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre feat. Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, Nate Dogg
Playlist getting too weak? Spice it up with “The Next Episode” by Dr. Dre featuring Snoop Dogg, Kurupt, and Nate Dogg. This fire track is sure to put more pep in your step.
19. “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan
Show up and show off at the gym while listening to “This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan. As long as you’re practicing the right form, this is how you do it.
20. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
Funk up your workout with one of the most dance-y, upbeat tracks of all time: “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars. Hot pink suit optional.
21. “My Oh My” by Camila Cabello feat. DaBaby
Camila Cabello may have a few hits under her belt already—“Havana” and two fire tracks with Shawn Mendes, plus the entire Fifth Harmony discography—but when it comes to the last three intense minutes of an arm workout, all you need to hear is “My Oh My” featuring DaBaby.
22. “Feel the Love” by Rudimental feat. John Newman
Also from Peloton’s Top 50 Playlist, “Feel the Love” by Rudimental featuring John Newman is just the right vibe.
23. “Blow the Whistle” by TOO $HORT
Where you at, Oakland?! “Blow the Whistle” by TOO $HORT deserves to be on every workout playlist. Ever.
24. “Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna
Between that must-move dance beat, the clapping, and the “Wanna Be Starting Something” sampling, “Please Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna is guaranteed to have your heart racing with every note.
25. “Oops… I Did It Again” by Britney Spears
Workout waning? That’s nothing a little 1990s nostalgia can’t fix. Simply listen to a little Britney before she was, you know, Britney B*tch.
26. “Stronger” by Kanye West
If “Stronger” by Kanye West isn’t the ultimate workout song, then I don’t know what is.
27. “Side to Side” by Ariana Grande
It’s such a quintessential workout tune that Ariana Grande and Nicki Minja are even working out in the video. “Side to Side” may be about—ahem—a workout of a different kind, but with all the exercise bike-riding that goes on in the music vid, this one deserves a spot on any gym playlist.
28. “Onto the Next One” by Jay-Z feat. Swizz Beatz
Whether you’re single, in a committed relationship, or married, you simply can’t go all out when hearing “Onto the Next One” by Jay-Z. This diddy literally makes you want to deadlift weights. (Or so I’ve heard.)
29. “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz
If you’re more of a rock god in the gym and need something inspirational to get you through your sweat-inducing routine, “Fly Away” by Lenny Kravitz is always a safe bet.
30. “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion feat. Beyoncé
Just make sure to work out in front of a mirror to this one because, you know, you’re that b*tch.
31. “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC
Pretty sure “You Shook Me All Night Long” by AC/DC plays at every Orange Theory, Planet Fitness, and LA Fitness at least once a day.
32. “Toxic” by Britney Spears
Not even sure what kind of instrument makes that iconic snake-like noise in “Toxic” by Britney Spears but it’ll get you hype.
33. “Formation” by Beyoncé
OK, ladies now let’s get in formation. Prove to me you got some coordination.
34. “Life Is Good” by Future feat. Drake
This one may seem a little on the chiller side in terms of the laidback vibe, but don’t be fooled. Not only has “Life Is Good” by Future featuring Drake solidified its spot on the Peloton Top 50 Playlist, but it’s also known as a low-key hype-up song.
35. “Levitating” by Dua Lipa feat. DaBaby
TikTok loves it, the radio loves it, and the gym loves “Levitating” by Dua Lipa featuring DaBaby, too. That’s because it’s upbeat, super poppy, and you sure can run to it.
36. “Turn Down For What” by DJ Snake and Lil Jon
Treadmill? Elliptical? Intense Tabata? You know what to do: Turn down for what?!
37. “Power” by Kanye West
Kanye really is amazing at making some of the best workout songs of all time. In addition to “Strong”, “Power” is another must-listen at the gym.
38. “Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison
Especially if you’re running or doing cardio, it’s just so easy to fall in step with the rockin’ beat of “Return of the Mack” by Montell Jordan.
39. “Bring Em Out” by T.I.
That beat tho.
40. “Apesh*t” by The Carters
This tune by The Carters will make you go “Apesh*t” in the gym. As you should.
41. “Higher Love” by Kygo feat. Whitney Houston
A poppy, club-banger of a remake featuring the incomparable voice of the late Whitney Houston, “Higher Love” by Kygo practically requires dancing. Or if you can’t dance, you know, just go harder in your workout!
42. “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
Enough said.
43. “We Will Rock You” by Queen
Again, also enough said.
44. “I Like It” by Cardi B feat. J Balvin and Bad Bunny
Leave it to Cardi B to make a banger that’ll have you rapping on the treadmill on speed 10.
45. “Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC
“Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC isn’t just an iconic workout song. Truthfully, it deserves to be played everywhere. At all times. Just make sure you hit the choreo though.
46. “Dance Monkey” by Tones and I
“Dance Monkey” by Tones and I has an up-tempo beat you can run to, dance to, box to, and so much more.
47. “Lose Yourself” by Eminem
If “Lose Yourself” by Eminem doesn’t make you want to lose yourself in your workout, then it’s time to question your taste in music.
48. “Motivation” by Normani
Normani is everyone’s literal “Motivation” in this music video. OK, girl, we see you and those abs!!!
49. “Mood 4 Eva” by Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Childish Gambino
Break it down at the gym with a little Queen Bey, Jay-Z, and Childish Gambino.
50. “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez
Last but never least is “Let’s Get Loud” by J.Lo. Because working out isn’t always fun or easy, but the music you listen to during it sure can make it better. Next up: How to get a full-body workout at home.
