20 essential workout songs to add to your gym playlist

Sometimes the right songs on a workout playlist need energetic production along with the lyrics to match. Kanye West gives fans just that on his 2007 hit single “Stronger.” The sample use of Daft Punk’s track “Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger” brings the song to a new level that can get anyone pumped up in their fitness routine. 

“Lose Yourself” was the theme song to Eminem’s movie 8 Mile. Although the song is more reflective of someone making the most of their opportunity with a music career, the message still applies to anyone working towards their fitness goals because it’s truly about believing in yourself, even with hiccups. 

Not only does the title of Lizzo’s single “Fitness” give the song away, but lyrically, the song is perfect for anyone working on cardio or a strength training session. On the track, Lizzo highlights her workout routine and knows how good she’s going to feel physically and mentally after completing it. As she sings on the hook, “Independent, athletic / I been sweating, doing calisthenics / Booty vicious, mind your business / I been working, working on my fitness.” 

For most of DJ Khaled’s career, his mindset has focused on being successful and victorious. This mindset has shown up adamantly in his discography, such as the 2010 hit single “All I Do Is Win.” It’s the perfect track for positive reinforcement and people believing they can’t be defeated. 

Fans can always count on Missy Elliott to release songs perfect to dance to. She teamed up with Ciara and Fatman Scoop on her 2005 single “Lose Control.” In pure Elliott fashion, the music video is filled with energetic dance routines that will make anyone sweat. 

Justin Timberlake and Timbaland got the right idea for elevating a listener’s confidence on the 2006 single “SexyBack.” Although the lyrics may be a little naughty for some listeners, it’s the hook that really draws people in. As Timbaland says, "Get your sexy on!"

Sometimes people need a song that encourages people to take on anybody criticizing them. LL Cool J went against his critics with his 1991 single “Mama Said Knock You Out.” He knows his talent, power, and strength are fully capable to combat anyone that goes against him. 

Dua Lipa’s 2020 track “Physical” may highlight more about being intimate with a lover, but the upbeat production makes for a perfect workout track. As she sings on the hook, “All night, I’ll riot with you / I know you go my back and you know I got you / So come on, come on, come on / Let’s get physical.”

C + C Music Factory came onto the scene in 1990 with their debut single “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance).” Obviously, from the title, it automatically makes people want to get up and move their bodies. The song has been quite popular in pop culture, from different television shows to movie scenes. 

Kanye West’s “The New Workout Plan” plays on the satire of workout plans. The intro is all about if women follow West’s workout plan, they’ll be able to snag any potential partner that they want. 

Britney Spears knows that if people have goals, it takes hard work to attain them. She went into full EDM mode on her 2013 single “Work B-tch,” in which she encourages people to work for what they want. As she says on the hook, “You want a hot body? You want a Bugatti? / You want a Maserati? You better work, b-tch.” 

For any workout song, people can’t go wrong with production from Swizz Beatz. He made sure to give DMX a perfect upbeat anthem when they collaborated on “Party Up (Up in Here).” On the track, DMX is addressing his haters, which could also be the mindset of people working on their fitness goals. 

There is no doubt that when people hear Survivor’s hit song “Eye of the Tiger,” they think of the 1982 film Rocky III. The song makes the perfect listen for a cardio session or a kickboxing class. 

Beyoncé encourages listeners to have a good time on the dance floor with her 2007 single “Get Me Bodied.” She stresses about looking good while going to a club and showing off her best dance moves. 

In 2003, OutKast released their double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below to rave reviews. They teamed up with singer and frequent collaborator Sleepy Brown on their dance groove track “The Way You Move.” On the track, they detail being at a club and enjoying the dance moves of other partygoers. 

In 2012, rapper Wiz Khalifa released his fourth album, O.N.I.F.C, with “Work Hard, Play Hard” as the lead single. On the track, Khalifa details his riches and success and how people can have more fun as long as they grind hard to get what they want.

Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall has plenty of tracks that could work on any fitness playlist. However, one song that always stands out is “Workin’ Day and Night.” The energetic and upbeat production from Quincy Jones works wonders to keep one’s body moving. 

In 2000, electronic duo Daft Punk released their hit track “One More Time,” and it’s a song that was inescapable at the time. It’s one of those catchy tracks that grabs a listener’s attention with the energetic beat and the message of dancing the night away. As they sing on the bridge, “Music’s got me feeling so free / We’re gonna celebrate / Celebrate and dance so free / One more time." 

The Black Eyed Peas have no problems addressing their haters on their 2006 hit track “Pump It.” With a smooth sample of Dıck Dale’s hit song “Misirlou,” the production is perfect for people who need music to keep them going. 

The funky guitar riffs on Queen’s hit song “Another One Bites the Dust” makes for a great workout track. Play this song as you walk into the gym or during a warm-up, and get your fitness routine on track.