A gym playlist is a deeply personal thing. It has to make you feel strong, ignore the pain and forget that you are on a machine going nowhere. It also has to be loud enough to drown out the person grunting next to you.
Here are ten songs that do the job. They are not new, they are not subtle, and they work.
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
The anthem for training montages. It’s impossible to hear it without wanting to punch the air or at least look intensely at a pull-up bar.
It is the original motivation machine.
Lose Yourself by Eminem
An intense, driving track about seizing the moment. The beat builds, the lyrics are urgent and you will feel like you’re about to do something important.
Maybe it’s just a leg day.
Stronger by Kanye West
A thumping, electronic hook borrowed from a French duo and shaped into a gym classic. The title is a promise, and it keeps it.
It’s a good song for the last set.
Till I Collapse by Eminem
A pure, relentless shot of adrenaline. It is built to carry you through the part of the workout where you consider quitting.
It’s the one you queue up when you’re ready to be loud.
Thunderstruck by AC/DC
Guitar riffs that sound like a lightning strike. It starts slowly and then hits hard, which is what you want from a warm-up that ends with a bang.
The chanting is a bonus.
Can’t Hold Us by Macklemore and Ryan Lewis
An upbeat, joyful song that makes a run feel easier. The piano is infectious and the chorus is a shout-along.
It’s the sound of feeling unstoppable.
Mr. Brightside by The Killers
A fast, restless rock song that is perfect for cardio. You’ll find yourself singing along, even if you do not know why.
It is a classic for a reason.
Don’t Stop Me Now by Queen
Freddie Mercury at full power, celebrating the joy of motion. It’s a feel-good song that speeds up in all the right places.
You will not be able to resist a smile.
Power by Kanye West
A booming, dramatic track that makes every rep feel epic. The chants and drums give it a cinematic sweep.
Good for heavy lifting, or just for being dramatic.
Run the World (Girls) by Beyoncé
A confident, high-energy anthem with a marching beat. It makes you want to stand a little taller and lift a little heavier.
And it does not apologize for any of it.