13 songs to power you up for your workout

When you hit the gym for a workout, you’ve just got to have a solid playlist on hand. Working out while listening to music keeps you entertained and motivated, but if one song is out of place it can really throw off your flow. To keep you from hitting the “next” button 20 times before you find the right track, here’s a playlist we think would suit your warm up, workout and cool down.

FOR YOUR WARM UP:

When you’re warming up for your workout, you want a song that will get you fired up. However, you also need something that will ease you into your routine—that’s what warming up is for, after all. So you need songs that will build the hype without blasting you off your treadmill.

“Los Angeles” by Blink-182

The best way to have an enjoyable and worthwhile workout is to dive in with a positive mindset. You can always count on Blink-182 for some pep.

“Hiding With Boys” by Creeper

Kicking off with a pop-punk song is a fun way to get you amped up, but you also can’t forget your British punk. “Hiding With Boys” still has that catchy element, but gets you ready for the heavier music that will come later.

“I Think It’s Best We Don’t Talk Anymore” by Capsize

Capsize are a great choice because the band’s post-hardcore sound has its heaviness but keeps melody at the forefront. “I Think It’s Best We Don’t Talk Anymore” is musically upbeat, but it also has its softer moments, so it doesn’t immediately rush you. This is a great track to transition you from warm up into full stride.

WHEN YOU HIT FULL STRIDE:

It’s time to pick up the pace and get out all of your pent up aggression. When you’re running full speed on a treadmill or lifting weights that make you want to drop dead, you need songs that are going to rev your engine and kick your ass.

“Things Could Be Different” by Dangerkids

When you’re ready to get your adrenaline up, Dangerkids is the way to go. “Things Could Be Different” is arguably the most exciting track on their new record, Blacklist. It will boost your heart rate in no time.

“Bellow” by Cover Your Tracks

It’s time to add some metal to this playlist. “Bellow” goes full throttle with racing guitars and various heavy syncopations, but it will still make you to bob your head around and have some fun.

“Let’s Bury The Hatchet…In Your Head” by Ice Nine Kills

Ice Nine Kills always employ crazy guitar solos in their unique brand of horror-inspired metalcore. “Let’s Bury The Hatchet…In Your Head” will keep you running as fast as you possibly can.

“Relentless Chaos” by Miss May I

If you know any Miss May I song, it’s probably “Relentless Chaos”—and there’s a reason for that. This flagship track features deft songwriting and an absolutely brutal attitude.   

“I Am The Lion” by Phinehas

Continuing on the heels of Miss May I’s brutality, you absolutely must have “I Am The Lion” by Phinehas on your workout playlist. There’s that special mode you reach about midway through your gym session when you start to feel like an invincible beast. Be the lion!

“Break Free” by Hundredth

This song is a must-listen in general, but what really makes this track is when vocalist Chadwick Johnson screams, “Don’t you fuckin’ test me!” It’s a powerful motivator for when you’re starting to get tired but still don’t want to give up.

“Billy No Mates” by Knocked Loose

You can’t have a proper workout playlist without including the chaotic powerhouse that is Knocked Loose. It’s just impossible. When nearing the end of your session, you need to feel like you’re going out on top. No matter how hard your workout got, you pushed yourself the whole way. That’s why it’s so satisfying to hear vocalist Bryan Garris scream, “I call out for help/But I will never call your fuckin’ name/Anguish!”

FOR YOUR STRETCH:

When you’re working out, you have to pay attention to your heart rate. Going from full speed to stopping cold isn’t healthy. You should also always stretch after your workout is over to lessen post-workout soreness. You need songs that will naturally shift you into a lower gear.

“Nothing But The Rain” by Carcer City

Just like you need to transition comfortably out of your physically challenging routine, so too do you need to transition from raging metal and hardcore to a sound that is more calming. Carcer City is still heavy, but this song slows the down the pace and even adds some beautiful piano to make for an atmospheric listen.

“Winding Down” by To The Wind

It’s time to wind down. Thankfully, To The Wind has a song just for that. Even though going to the gym is heavily physical, it’s also about your state of mind and your emotions. This melodic hardcore band know just how to tap into that side of you.

“Remorser” by Landscapes

When I’m done powering through my workout, I find it most fulfilling to end on a calm, meditative note. Landscapes are the perfect band for that kind of vibe. This song starts off with a slow, kind of twangy acoustic guitar and incorporates simple drumming and relaxed vocals to match. It will bring you down from your runner’s high in the best way possible.