25 Great Workout Songs

February 15, 2010 | Workout Playlists

I’ve been pretty busy over the last several days — my wife and I went out of town and I’m still working on something big.  Life is hectic right now and in times like these it’s so easy for workouts to have the life sucked out of them.

Nothing keeps the blood flowing like a strong, upbeat workout playlist.

You can download workout songs on Amazon or iTunes!

1. Kanye West – Stronger (5:14)
2. Fort Minor – Remember The Name (feat. Styles Of Beyond) (3:50)
3. Deepfield – Into the Flood (3:24)
4. Various – Moby / Flower (3:23)
5. Jet – Are You Gonna Be My Girl (3:33)
6. Jet – Cold Hard Bitch (4:03)
7. The Cult – Painted On My Heart (4:23)
8. Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell – Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (2:30)
9. Moby – Flower (3:23)
10. Moby – Beautiful (3:12)
11. Moby – South Side (3:49)
12. Moby – We Are All Made of Stars (3:37)
13. Our Lady Peace – Superman’s Dead (4:17)
14. Our Lady Peace – All For You (4:15)
15. Our Lady Peace – Not Enough (4:33)
16. Cake – I Will Survive (5:10)
17. Kevin Rudolf & Lil Wayne – Let It Rock (3:56)
18. Katy Perry – I Kissed A Girl (3:00)
19. Linkin Park – In The End (3:36)
20. Jay-Z And Linkin Park – Points Of Authority/99 Problem (4:55)
21. Linkin Park – Somewhere I Belong (3:33)
22. Linkin Park – Breaking The Habit (3:16)
23. Lady GaGa – Bad Romance (4:54)
24. Lady GaGa – Paparazzi (3:29)
25. Eminem – Lose Yourself (5:26)

As you can see, this playlist has only 25 songs as opposed to the normal 50.  I want you guys to recommend the next 25 songs for me to add.

What are some more great workout songs?

{ 82 comments… read them below or add one }

Carla February 15, 2010 at 7:40 AM

Empire State of Mind – Jay Z
Stuck on Repeat – Little Boots
Revolver – Madonna
Nu Style (Deekline & Ed Solo Mix) – Shystie

These are a few of my favorites for Cardio workout. Enjoy!

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 12:40 PM

Empire State of Mind is a GREAT song. Thanks for reminding me, I’ll be buying that one tonight.

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d February 15, 2010 at 8:15 AM

I don’t know if you’ve used this song before, I just came across your blog recently. I’m also on a rather long weight loss journey. Every morning, when I get out of bed (because most mornings, let’s face it, I don’t want to) to go work out, I play Nelly – Warrior to get me up and moving. Check it out, it’s on the Team USA soundtrack from the summer olympics.

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 12:46 PM

I like Nelly, haven’t listened to him in years. I’ll check it out!

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Caroline February 15, 2010 at 8:23 AM

I just found this song – great beat

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Da_afB8_6VU

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 12:46 PM

Techno isn’t my cup of tea, but that is a pretty good beat.

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kate February 15, 2010 at 8:37 AM

Florence and the Machine – Dog Days Are Over
Ocean Colour Scene – The Riverboat Song
The Undertones – Teenage Kicks
Owl City – Fireflies (might be a little light for you)

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 12:47 PM

Haha, Fireflies… good song, not good for runnin’ :)

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Tanya February 15, 2010 at 8:37 AM

Great list – some of my faves on there. Here are my recommendations:
Kidz In the Hall. Drivin’ Down the Block.
Janet. Feedback (So So Def Remix).
Noisettes. Don’t Give Up.

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 1:00 PM

Never heard of a single one of these artists. Old, new, and/or obscure?

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Carla February 15, 2010 at 7:51 PM

Feedback, Janet Jackson! Great song…gonna buy that one right now.

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Kt February 15, 2010 at 8:54 AM

The new Black Eyed Peas CD is great. My “power song” on my Nike+ is “Bodies” by Drowning Pool.

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 12:47 PM

How do you like Nike plus?

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Mike February 15, 2010 at 8:56 AM

Here’s a few suggestions from a playlist I just made:

Trapt – Headstrong
David Bowie & Mick Jagger – Dancing in the streets
Gary Numan – Cars (live with Nine Inch Nails) [ download it here http://www.mediafire.com/?nylj4m1dy1t ]
Talking Heads – Once in a lifetime
N.E.R.D. – She wants to move
Queen – Crazy little thing called Love

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 12:47 PM

Queen and Trapt, good calls!

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Drew February 15, 2010 at 9:20 AM

Weezer- (If you’re wondering if I want You To) I Want You To- 3:28
Kings of Leon- Use Somebody – 3:50
Black Eyed Peas- I Gotta Feeling- 4:49 (my personal “Get My Ass Moving” song)

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 1:00 PM

Awesome songs, I considered Black Eyed Peas but I’m a little Black Eye Pead out. They’ve been played too much on the radio lately, in my opinion.

Then again, so has Lady Gaga…

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Cindy Dale February 15, 2010 at 9:22 AM

My Ipod has:
- My name is Jonas by Weezer
- Pump it by Black Eye Peas
- I don’t Care by Fall Out Boy
- Good Girls Gone Bad by Cobra Starship
- Viva la Vida – Cold Play
-Welcome to the Black Parade by My Chemical Romance
-Barracuda by Heart
- Human by The Killers
- all songs by Owl City

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Jill February 15, 2010 at 9:32 AM

Shakira – Ojos Asi (Eyes like Yours)
Jimi Hendrix – All Along the Watchtower; Let Me Stand Next to Your Fire
Santana – Oye Como Va
Foreigner – Hot Blooded
Rolling Stones – Fade to Black
Moby – Why Does My Heart Feel So Bad? (it isn’t really depressing; has a good Moby sound)
Crazy Town – Butterfly (possibly the only song on this list that you’ll actually like, based on looking at your previous music preferences) :)

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 6:54 PM

I know that Moby song, but it sounds too slow. I like Moby, don’t get me wrong, that song is just not for working out. It is for a long drive on the interstate when you’re bored to death.

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cryssi February 15, 2010 at 9:39 AM

I only have one suggestion, but this one pumped me a lot at my last workout!

Aqua – My mamma said.

You may have heard their previous songs (ie: barbie girl, cartoon heroes..) but it’s nothing like them. It’s their new song, and the style is just WOW!

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 6:54 PM

I’m a barbie girl in a barbie world — life’s fantastic, it’s so plastic. Aqua brings back memories of middle school.

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Melissa February 15, 2010 at 9:55 AM

Nelly, 50 cent, Jay Z, Eminem, to name a few. I also like that Fort Minor song you suggested.

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 6:54 PM

Good list.

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Jane February 15, 2010 at 10:04 AM

Gotta have the Rocky Theme Song!
Gonna Fly Now by Bill Conti

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Lisa February 15, 2010 at 10:19 AM

K’naan
Soobax – it has really great beat. Which i love.

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100 Pounds in a Year February 15, 2010 at 10:27 AM

Queen – Fat Bottom Girls
I like exercising to Ben Folds too, but that may not be for everyone.

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 6:55 PM

Good call, that’s on my next play list.

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Clumber February 22, 2010 at 12:57 PM

I prefer the tribute version by Antigone Rising, but hooyah!

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Bob February 15, 2010 at 10:31 AM

If you’re into a little techno – try Omnibus – Laut Sprecher & Katie Skate. I use it in my cardio workouts.

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Melissa March 4, 2010 at 2:13 PM

I love that song! I didn’t know anyone else knew of it :D

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Christine February 15, 2010 at 11:09 AM

Thnks fr th mmrs- fall out boy
Love Drunk- boys like girls
U and Ur hand- Pink

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Tara February 15, 2010 at 11:09 AM

Anything upbeat by Missy Elliott, Black Eyed Peas, Ludacris and Rob Zombie. I like to sneak in a little Right Fred Said (“I’m too Sexy”) as well.

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CJ February 15, 2010 at 11:18 AM

Skillet – Monster, Hero, Forsaken, My Obsession
Celldweller – Louder Than Words, So Long Sentiment, Eon, The Best It’s Gonna Get
Jenarium – Danger Rising, Quantus Victor Miserere
Prodigy – Omen

(And if you like the 80’s New Wave style sound)
The Birthday Massacre – Walking With Strangers, Nevermind, Violet

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chelsee scherz February 15, 2010 at 11:29 AM

I love listening to Eagles of Death Metal while working out. It is just a good time! =)

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Lance February 15, 2010 at 12:15 PM

Through the Fire and Flames – by DRAGONFORCE

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Matt February 15, 2010 at 12:27 PM

Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner – Iron Maiden
Kung Fu – Ash
Get Out of Denver – Blues Traveler (or Eddie and the Hotrods)
Still in Hollywood – Concrete Blonde
Slam Dunk – David Lee Roth
You’re Crazy – Guns N Roses
Motorcycle Driver – Joe Satriani
One Big Rush – Joe Satriani
Showdown – Megaherz
The Day that Never Comes – Metallica
Fuel – Metallica
Frayed ends of Sanity – Metallica
Burn it to the Ground – Nickelback
Adios – Rammstein
Hell Yeah – Rev Theory
She Sells Sanctuary – The Cult
A Million Miles Away – Offspring
Want You Bad – Offspring
Vision Thing – Sisters of Mercy
Siva – Smashing Pumpkins
Hot For Teacher – Van Halen
My Name is Jonas – Weezer

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 6:56 PM

Big list, thanks! Awesome artists too, I recognize most of them I just don’t remember any of them when I’m at the PC ready to buy any songs… I’ll definitely keep these in mind, notably Rev Theory, The Cult, and Weezer.

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Alisha February 15, 2010 at 1:17 PM

Cake – The Distance

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 6:56 PM

She’s going for speed.

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Michelle Dodson R.D. February 15, 2010 at 1:39 PM

I’ve been listening to some audio-books lately while trail-running. I get so sucked into the book, I forget I’m in pain. :) I usually keep upbeat songs by Broken Social Scene on the sidelines in case the book gets boring…

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Tyler February 15, 2010 at 6:56 PM

I can’t read and workout — I’ve tried, but miserably failed.

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devin February 15, 2010 at 1:55 PM

When I Am Through With You by The V.L.A.
Quiet Dog by Mos Def
Teeth by Lady Gaga
Beautiful Wreck by Shawn Mullins
Superman by Stereophonics
Mama’s Room by Under the Influence of Giants

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Craig Caruso February 15, 2010 at 1:57 PM

Welcome Home–Coheed and Cambria

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Rebekah February 15, 2010 at 3:14 PM

Sweet Home Alabama Lynyrd Skynyrd
Family Affair Mary J Blige
Jump Van Halen
Danger Zone Kenny Loggins
Last Night (Featuring Keyshia Cole) Diddy
Gold Digger Kanye West
Give it to me Timbaland featuring Justin Timberlake & Nelly Furtado

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Alan February 15, 2010 at 3:43 PM

check out almost anything by Saliva
Tick tick tick boom by the Hives

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Mark February 15, 2010 at 3:48 PM

Hey Tyler,
Check out some songs by Rise Against. On my playlist I have by them are:
-But Tonight We Dance
-Re-Education (Through Labor)
-Blood Red, White, and Blue

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The Chubby Girl Diaries February 15, 2010 at 4:02 PM

Great song list! :)

~Kellie

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shelby February 15, 2010 at 6:09 PM

I like:

Walkin’ on Sunshine -Katrina and the Waves
Dont stop till you get enough – Michael Jackson
Workout tape..? -Kanye West
Get it Poppin -Nelly
Im just a girl – No Doubt
Work It – Missy Elliott

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Sara February 15, 2010 at 7:20 PM

I like BEP on my play list. Also, JT- Sexy Back.
I’m a new follower *through Token Fat Girl*.
You are such an inspiration! Not too much longer till you meet your goal! That’s so Awesome :)

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Coryad February 15, 2010 at 7:38 PM

Telephone – Lady Gaga and Beyonce
My Life Would Suck Without You – Kelly Clarkson (I sing this one really loud when I’m running… good thing I’m in my basement)
So What – P!nk
Never Too Late – Three Days Grace
Bad Influence – Pink
C’mon, c’mon – Smashmouth

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Dave February 15, 2010 at 9:44 PM

Lots of great suggestions here… but let’s take it back to the 70’s for a minute!

Lust for Life – Iggy Pop
Ring of Fire – Social Distortion
It’s a Long Way To the Top (If You Wanna rock and Roll) AC/DC

start with these 3… if you like them, I can suggest many others in that vein!!!!

All the best, and thank you for your continued inspiration!

-Dave

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Christine February 15, 2010 at 10:31 PM

Bawitdaba – Kid Rock
Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N Roses
All Around Me – Flyleaf
Teenagers – My Chemical Romance
Semi Charmed Life – Third Eye Blind

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The Roly Poly Boy February 16, 2010 at 12:43 AM

Here’s a few of my faves:

Blink 182 – Dammit
The Fly’s – Got You
The Pixies – Debaser
Blondie – Rapture
Rise Against – Any Way You Want It (Journey cover)
Tool – The Pot
Say Anything – Belt
Rivers Cuomo – I Was Scared
Oingo Boingo – Dead Man’s Party
The Clash – Train In Vain

..anyway, some old stuff there. I guess I aged myself pretty well.

-Dave

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Colin February 16, 2010 at 3:52 AM

Electric Feel- MGMT
Send Me On My Way- Rusted Root
Move For Me-Kaskade & Deadmau5
Carpe Noctum- Tiesto
Infinity- Guru Josh Project
Crazy Game of Poker- O.A.R.

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Derek February 16, 2010 at 5:45 AM

So, I am borrowing from Ellen DeGeneres here, but she does pick some good songs on her show.

“Bust A Move” Young MC
“The Way I Are” Timbaland
“The Power” Snap!
“Closer” Ne-Yo
“4 Minutes” Madonna featuring Justin Timberlake
“Feel Good Inc” The Gorillaz

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Ed February 16, 2010 at 11:29 AM

I like:
Tech N9ne – The Beast
Muse – Resistance
Foo Fighters – Pretender

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jdub116 February 16, 2010 at 12:29 PM

Sugarfoot – Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears
Space Lord – Monster Magnet
Trouble Maker – Weezer
Rusty Cage – Soundgarden
Try – John Mayer Trio

Odd mix, but all songs I love when working out…
Jenny

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david foust February 16, 2010 at 10:07 PM

O wow i remember Space Lord. great great addition.

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drew February 16, 2010 at 12:35 PM

Pink – Please Don’t Leave

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Lynn February 16, 2010 at 2:17 PM

I like what you have so far. Here’s a selection from my current list:

Sweetness – Jimmy Eat World
Whistle for the Choir – The Fratellis
Green Light – John Legend
Oh You Girls – Franz Ferdinand
Lovely Day – Bill Withers
Very Busy People – The Limousines
Move Along – All-American Rejects
Steer – Missy Higgins
Once In a Lifetime – Talking Heads
OK, It’s Alright With Me – Eric Hutchinson
Canned Heat – Jamiroquai
Time Is Running Out – Muse
Breakin’ Up – Rilo Kiley
That’s Not My Name – The Ting Tings
Sulton – What Made Milwaukee Famous
Love Me Dead – Ludo

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Cassandra February 16, 2010 at 3:29 PM

So, some of these may be girly… but what can I say? I’m a girl :)

These are on my ipod playlist “gym”:
Vanessa Carlton – Paint it Black
Bee Gees – Jive talking :) (I know, I know, but the beat is good)
Missy Elliott – Pass that Dutch (motivates me to stop the “giggle that fat”)
Missy Elliott – Work it
Marilyn Manson – The Beautiful People
Buckcherry – Crazy Bitch
Bush – Everything Zen & Machinehead
Korn – need to double time a lot of their beats, but any song works
Stone Temple Pilots – Vasoline
Killers – Mr Brightside
Nine Inch Nails – All The Love in the World – great warm up song
Mirah – The Garden, double the beat
Damien Rice – Coconut Skins
Paramore – crushcrushcrush
White Stripes – Seven Nation Army
Limp Bizkit – Break Stuff
Ida Maria – I like you so much better when you’re naked
All American REjects – Gives You Hell
Michael Jackson – scream
Smashing Pumpkins – The World is a Vampire
Dixie Chicks – lullaby, good cool down
Feist – Sea Lion Woman
Muse – Supermassive Black Hole

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Mandy February 16, 2010 at 4:12 PM

I Don’t Wanna Be In Love – Good Charlotte
Beep – The Pussycat Dolls
I Love Rock & Roll – Joan Jett & The Blackhearts
Because We Can – Fatboy Slim
Cotton Eye Joe – Rednex
Kiss Me Deadly – Lita Ford
Mercy – Duffy

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r.h. February 17, 2010 at 1:29 AM

I don’t know how you feel about screamo/hardcore/metalcore, but I love it, especially when I’m lifting weights. The Devil Wears Prada, August Burns Red, Blessthefall are a few that I listen to. Keep up the good work! You are an awesome inspiration!

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SV February 17, 2010 at 2:16 AM

Rocky Overture – Bill Conti (Rocky II OST)

This is pure gold – not Gonna Fly Now or Eye of the Tiger, but much better. Instrumental. Surely there can be no better workout/inspirational music. Just what you need when you need to ‘go the distance’

Also try, ‘War’ – from Rocky IV, which plays when Rocky and Ivan ” I must break you” Draga slug it out in Moscow

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Meg February 17, 2010 at 8:56 AM

I personally love to listen to breaking benjamin while working out…they have great music for everything.

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Josh Ramirez February 17, 2010 at 12:06 PM

you have the right idea there my friend.

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Josh Ramirez February 17, 2010 at 12:05 PM

coming undone-tantric
break- three days grace
in the end- linkin park
fall victim- alkaline trio
had enough- breaking benjamin
letter of a thief-chevelle
rooftops- lostprophets

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Lissa February 17, 2010 at 5:06 PM

Sunday Bloody Sunday by U2
Heads Will Roll by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
And Shake It, by Metro Station. It really picks me up during a run. It puts a smile on my face and makes me want to bounce around while I run, I try to keep this one at the end of my play list as a pick me up.

I also have the Nike+ and I really like it. It is really helpful for a beginner runner. I bought the wrist bracelet set instead of the iPod/iPhone method. I can’t wear Nike shoes, they don’t fit correctly, so I bought a shoe wallet that goes over my laces.

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Cody February 18, 2010 at 2:13 AM

Heat of a champion by nelly is a good workout song.
Did not read all of the post so im not sure if it has been mentioned yet

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Cody February 18, 2010 at 2:29 AM

Gritz- My life be like

I start my runs with this one

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Melissa February 18, 2010 at 9:03 PM

I love running “It’s My Time,” by Fabolous ft. Jeremih.

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boney February 19, 2010 at 12:56 AM

New Divide – Linkin Park

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Jennifer February 22, 2010 at 6:21 AM

Star Sailor – Thin WHite Duke Remix- four to the floor
Faithless- Insomnia
Gwen Stefani- Whatcha waitin’ for
The Shamen- Move any mountain

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Keith February 22, 2010 at 10:46 AM

20 Minute Work Out by DJ Kool
Momma Say Knock You Out by L L Cool J
Paul Revere by The Beastie Boys

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Keith February 22, 2010 at 10:50 AM

Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi

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Melissa March 4, 2010 at 2:31 PM

I’m Running – Misstress Barbara feat. Sam Roberts
Here with Me – Hello Goodbye
Beautiful People – Peplab
Ladies & Gentlemen – Saliva
Long Way to the Top – ACDC
Bulls on Parade – Rage Against the Machine

I’m also partial to most 80’s rock, but that’s me.

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Rina March 6, 2010 at 3:54 AM

Anything from the FIFA games. The songs are always amazing. Here’s this year’s soundtrack. http://musicunderfire.com/2009/08/fifa-2010-soundtrack-revealed.html

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Alexandra March 7, 2010 at 11:59 AM

Just found your site by punching in “workout songs playlist” into Google. Pretty cool.
May I suggest Glow by Alien Ant Farm?
Also on some old lists of mine:
Breathe – Fabolous
Heat of a Champion – Nelly
Absolutely (Story of a Girl) – Nine Days
Right on, Right now – Powerspace
Sink into Me – Taking Back Sunday
New Again – TBS
Enjoy your healthy journey!

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Tee March 23, 2010 at 2:46 AM

I am also looking to lose a lot of weight. Here are some songs that rev up the ol engine

Nelly-#1
Modjo-Lady
Pnau ft Ladyhawke-Embrace
Dope-Die MF Die
Arcade Fire-Keep the Car Running
The instrumental to Beyonce’s song “Sweet Dreams”
The instrumental to The Game’s “One Blood”
Fake Tales of San Francisco-Arctic Monkeys
Michael Jackson-Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’
Janet Jackson-If & Rhythm Nation
Korn-Y’all Want a Single
Static-X-This Is Not, Wisconsin Death Trip, Ostego Undead
Staind-Mudshovel
Notorious B.I.G. & Bone Thugs-Notorious Thugs
Darude-Sandstorm

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Andy May 30, 2010 at 11:30 AM

I like to listen to the following to get kinda hyped up, Fly by Loudmouth (Varsity Blues Soundtrack), Waffle by Sevendust, Savior & Audience of one by Rise Against, Worlds Collide by Powerman 5000, Techno mix of Dragula by Rob Zombie (Matrix Soundtrack I think), Numb & Breaking the habit by Linkin Park. Letter to a Thief & Jars by Chevelle, Kings & Queens by 30 Seconds to Mars, Pyschosocial & Before I Forget by Slipknot, Push It by Static X, Down with the Sickness by Disturbed, Bodies, Step up & Soldiers by Drowning Pool. Sorry for any repeats. Good Luck n get up!

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Heidi July 19, 2010 at 12:33 PM

I have never left a comment anywhere before, but I HAVE to say thanks, I googled “great workout music” and got your site. I looked up “Fort Minor” because it sounded right. I LOVE them!!! Thanks so much, they are my new workout add-ons in my quest to drop a whole lot of baby weight. My personal favorites prior to these guys:
Linkin Park- Bleed it Out
Eminem- Til I collapse
Good Charlotte- Dance Floor Anthem
Citizen Cope- Let the Drummer Kick
INXS- Pretty Vegas
Thanks again!

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