The Best Fitness Music Top 10

Everything goes better with the right music – including your workout. Pick the songs that motivate you and resonate emotionally, and your fitness session, daily jog through the park, or exercises at your home home gym will fly by much faster. Good music with a driving beat and a steady rhythm spurs you on, puts you in a good mood, and might just push you through that extra set with heavier weight on the barbell. Give it a try!

Put together your own workout playlist with your favorite songs that work well for you during exercise. Here is our top 10 list of the best fitness music tracks as a little inspiration for you – from rock and metal to pop, it's all here.

1. Survivor – Eye Of The Tiger

   The classic! There's hardly a rock playlist without "Eye Of The Tiger" by Survivor. Everyone, literally EVERYONE, pictures the scenes from Rocky III when hearing it. Yet Survivor was actually lucky that the song landed on the soundtrack: originally, "Another One Bites The Dust" by Queen was planned, but Queen refused the rights, so Survivor's song was chosen in the end. It remains an extremely driving track. Especially during workouts. The lyrics and energetic dynamics practically demand every athlete to run a little faster, push a little harder, and do one more deadlift rep. There are great Tabata versions of "Eye Of The Tiger" with an overlay countdown voice, as well as countless cover versions – even rap fans will find a version they like.

2. AC/DC – Thunderstruck

   Also a classic in music history and, on top of that, a fantastic workout song! The guitar riff and chorus are so catchy that you're constantly tempted to sing or hum along. Plus a great beat that drives you to peak performance on the mat, on the rowing machine, during strength training, or while jogging. Pretty universally applicable to almost any sport. By the way, it's also great for jumping rope during warm-ups – give it a try.

3. Guano Apes – You Can´t Stop Me

   Anyone who experienced the whole crossover era in the '90s will surely remember the German band Guano Apes or H-Blockx. Guano Apes, fronted by singer Sandra Nasic, had numerous chart hits back then, starting with the smash hit “Open your eyes” or the equally successful “Lords of the boards,” right up to this fine song whose chorus you'll also want to sing out loud during your workout. For those who preferred H-Blockx, we recommend the super slick cover of the Snap hit “The Power.” But watch out: you might start spontaneously jumping along. Although you can probably perfectly combine that with a round of burpees.

4. Airborne – Running Wild

   The Australian band Airborne are always jokingly referred to as the little brothers of AC/DC. Musically speaking, a certain similarity in voice and overall songs cannot be denied. “Running Wild” has a sensationally cool beat that runs through the whole song and is wonderful for workouts because it simply goes full throttle the entire time. Don't forget to sing along to the “hey, hey, hey”!

5. P!nk – U + Ur Hand

   Pink has awesome party songs in her catalog, many of which are also great for workouts and endurance training because they simply spread good vibes musically. And the lady really has a great voice. "So what" is guaranteed to be a great feel-good workout companion.

6. Beatsticks – Hand in Hand

   Beatsticks are a guarantee for a top-notch festival atmosphere. Always featuring that subtle, punk-rebellious attitude. “Hand in Hand” works brilliantly as a workout song because it has a wonderful drum beat and really pushes you forward in every other way, too.

7. Mando Diao – Black Saturday

   The Swedish band Mando Diao makes pretty good, catchy pop songs. They are really successful here in Europe and always a sure bet for a good mood live, with a high jump-along factor. Their biggest hit to date is probably “Black Saturday” – a song that, thanks to its steady beat, is ideal for a jog or a session on the rowing machine.

8. Papa Roach – Last Resort

   Another hit from the '90s era – but it works brilliantly during a workout thanks to its extremely catchy chorus. “Last Resort” is probably on the workout playlist of many who prefer guitar sounds.

9. Shinedown – Sound of Madness

   Shinedown songs are perfect for fitness playlists: they feature bombastic compositions, almost always have a rather epic chorus like here in "Sound of Madness", and a solid beat beneath to push you through your workout stations on the cross trainer or Speedbike. Other tracks by the US rock band that are absolutely worthy of any fitness playlist: "Enemies", "Junkies for Fame".

10. Volbeat – Fire Song

    With their mix of rock 'n' roll, metal, punk rock, and blues, the Danes have been welcome guests at all major festivals for years – and they have many songs that are excellent for a fitness playlist. “Fire Song” impresses, like other Volbeat songs, with driving drum beats, a sing-along anthem of a chorus, and simply plenty of rock 'n' roll passion.

By the way, there are also plenty of electro-house, dance, and electro-pop songs that are great as workout music. Here are our top 3 for inspiration:

1. David Guetta feat. Sia – Titanium

   The French DJ and music producer is an absolute hit machine. Chart success follows chart success, and many of his songs are excellent for a fitness playlist. Here on “Titanium,” he collaborated with singer Sia. The songs “Lovers On The Sun,” “Flames,” and “Don´t Leave Me Alone” by David Guetta are also great for workouts. Various remixes offer the right version for every fan of electronic beats.

2. Loud Luxury & Dzeko – Body (Dzeko Remix)

   Extremely good workout song with electronic beats. You'll want to hum along the whole time and might even push yourself a little harder.

3. Charli XCX – Break The Rules

   The constant repetitions of the chorus are a great drive here to give it one last push during your workout. Catchy melodies and a brisk rhythm ensure a good mood.