The Ultimate Summer Workout Playlist
It’s summertime! But while the living may be easy, your workouts probably aren’t. Sometimes you need some extra help to bang through that final mile or last round of a circuit routine. Enter these power songs.
Overview
It's summertime! But while the living may be easy, your workouts probably aren't. Sometimes you need some extra help to bang through that final mile or last round of a circuit routine. Enter these power songs. We polled our staff, Facebook fans and personal trainers, who told us which songs keep them fired up during their summer workouts. Pick and choose the ones that motivate you, too, find a new favorite or follow us on Spotify to hear the playlist straight through.
"Cake by the Ocean" by DNCE
"I'm OBSESSED with 'Cake by the Ocean' by DNCE. Like, it's a problem. And I had no idea that one of the Jonas brothers is the lead singer for it." Lili Ladaga, Livestrong.com Editorial Content Manager
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Take it From Me" by KONGOS
"I'm not sure which is more effective with this one -- the heavy drumbeat or the 'nothing can stop me, nothing holds me back' lyrics, but it is hands down, the most likely song on my current playlist to get me up off of the couch and motivated to get my sweat on." Ann Rusnak, Livestrong.com Community Manager
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Can't Stop the Feeling!" by Justin Timberlake
"You just know this song was written to be a summer dance jam, but it's pretty close to perfect for when I'm plodding away at the treadmill. Or for burning a few extra calories dancing around my office (or the coffee shop) when it comes on Spotify." Rachel Grice, Livestrong.com Contributing Fitness Editor
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Talking Body" by Tove Lo
"Because no matter when or where you hear it, you want to get up, get your sexy-pants on and start dancing... or sprinting!" Niki Gruttadauria, Livestrong.com Social Media Manager
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Dangerous Woman" by Ariana Grande
"No doubt about it, this girl can sing! And there's just something about the tone of her voice and the pace of the song that really helps me dig deep when my workout gets difficult." Rachel Grice, Livestrong.com Contributing Fitness Editor
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"No Good" by Kaleo
"Something about the dirty rock sound of this one just reaches down and touches that place in your gut that makes you want to get outside and run. (Or maybe that's just me?)" Ann Rusnak, Livestrong.com Community Manager
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Ex's & Oh's" by Elle King
"This tune is beyond catchy, but its driving beat, rockabilly feel and F-U attitude get you amped for a good weight-training workout." Valaer Goldsworthy, Livestrong.com Managing Editor
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Sexy and I Know It" by LMFAO
Because there's nothing wrong with taking pride in your appearance. And as fan Nichole David wrote on our Facebook page, "I'm sexy because I work out!"
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"All Summer Long" by Kid Rock
"Something about this song takes me back to the dog days summers of my youth when responsibilities were few and 'I'm bored' was still in my vocab." Ann Rusnak, Livestrong.com Community Manager
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Black Widow" by Iggy Azalea ft. Rita Ora
"I put this one on a playlist for a half marathon I ran last August. Now every time I hear, it I'm instantly put back in race mode, which is great when I'm feeling especially uninspired to go on a run." Rachel Grice, Livestrong.com Contributing Fitness Editor
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Lights (Bassnectar Remix)" by Ellie Goulding
"This song "has a hardcore beat to it and a great melody. The rhythm of this song is great for charging up a hill on a run or training at the gym. It's exciting and really gets me pumped up. The normal version of this song is great too, but this remix is just an added bit of energy." Ashley Borden, host of Livestrong.com's YouTube series "The Perfect Form"
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Hands" by Barns Courtney
"This one has a strong beat and a fun vibe. It makes me think of hot summer days by the lake (immediately following a great calorie-torching workout, obviously)." Ann Rusnak, Livestrong.com Community Manager
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Rather Be" by Clean Bandit ft. Jess Glynne
"It's up-beat and fun without assaulting your ears with aggressive riffs. Don't let it's lighter tune and softer vocals fool you, it will get keep you focused as your workout heats up." Niki Gruttadauria, Livestrong.com Social Media Manager
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Slipping Away" by Tanlines
"It's hard to pick a song from Tanlines' second album that wouldn't be good to listen to while working out, but this song is just so jaunty and dance-a-rific, it's perfect for getting you through the back half of a cardio workout." Valaer Goldsworthy, Livestrong.com Managing Editor
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Best Day of My Life" by American Authors
"Every day has the potential to be the 'best day' -- something about this song makes you think this could be it (and either way, those three minutes are guaranteed to be uplifted)." Ann Rusnak, Livestrong.com Community Manager
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Born This Way" by Lady Gaga
"[The song] contains the line 'I was Born to Survive,' which was my mantra while I was fighting cancer last year. I've been in remission for six months now and am training for a half marathon in September." Dave Carr via the Livestrong.com Facebook page
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Devastation and Reform" by Relient K
"The beat of this song -- especially during the chorus -- never fail to get me pumped up for a workout. And it's a metaphor for working out. Exercise does devastate and reform our bodies, so we grow stronger." Rachel Grice, Livestrong.com Contributing Fitness Editor
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Feel Good Inc" by Gorillaz
"This went from being my getting ready to go out song to a perennial workout mix staple." Valaer Goldsworthy, Livestrong.com Managing Editor
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
"Quite possibly the best intro to any rock song ever written, ever." Kristin Cooper via the Livestrong.com Facebook page. Angus Young's guitarwork and Brian Johnson's melodic growl don't hurt either.
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Sugar" by Maroon 5
"It can be difficult to admit, but Maroon 5's songs are so damn catchy. The pace, mixed with Adam Levine's poppy voice make it the perfect music to sweat to." Niki Gruttadauria, Livestrong.com Social Media Manager
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Boom" by P.O.D.
Seemingly every song this band does is high-energy. The lyrics "I feel so alive" got props from our Facebook fans, too. And, "Boom" is on personal trainer Joe Dowdell's workout playlist.
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Born to Run" by Bruce Springsteen
Because at some point this summer, you may run a race. And when you do, you will hear this song piping through the speakers. And you will smile.
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Can't Keep Checking My Phone" by Unknown Mortal Orchestra
"The song starts a little slow, which is good for your warm up, but when it gets going, it is exactly the kind of dance pop that will ease you into a steady jog." Valaer Goldsworthy, Livestrong.com Managing Editor
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"The Fighter" by Gym Class Heroes ft. Ryan Tedder
"I think I first heard this song on The Biggest Loser, but ever since, I've had it on my running playlist. It tells me that when the odds are stacked against me or it feels like no one's in my corner, I'm a fighter." Rachel Grice, Livestrong.com Contributing Fitness Editor
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Animal" by Miike Snow
"The first time I heard this song was at the gym, and still when I hear it, it's hard to stop myself from dancing on the treadmill." Valaer Goldsworthy, Livestrong.com Managing Editor
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Stolen Dance" by Milky Chance
"Something about this sound just makes me want to get up and move every time. If I'm walking when it comes on it makes me want to run!" Ann Rusnak, Livestrong.com Community Manager
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"Bad Blood" by Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar
"We all love to hate on T-Swift, but the girl can write some really catchy tunes! And for whatever reason, this song really helps me push through the tough parts of my workout. Whether it's that last hill in spin class or battling the heat of an outdoor summer run." Rachel Grice, Livestrong.com Contributing Fitness Editor
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
"One Last Time" by Ariana Grande
"Because Ariana." Niki Gruttadauria, Livestrong.com Social Media Manager
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
“Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)” by Kelly Clarkson
Clarkson's latest anthem was the most-suggested song by more than 100 commenters when we posed the question "What's your favorite workout song?" on our Livestrong.com Facebook page. And on top of her signature fist-pumping beats, Clarkson delivers empowering lyrics reminding everyone that what doesn't kill you... well, you know.
Related: Find this song on iTunes.
What Do YOU Think?
Do you have a summer workout playlist? What's on it? Any of these songs? Which are your favorites? What songs would you add? Let us know in the comments section below!
Related: The 20 Most Intense Workout Songs (You Might Not Know)