20 Best Cardio Workout Songs

The ways in which we use and rely on music are countless. Whether we need it to lift our spirits, provide a soothing companion or define pretty much any emotional state we are in, it fuels our energies like nothing else.

Can you imagine a top notch cardio workout without a boosting soundtrack?
That’s what we thought!

That’s why we’ve compiled an eclectic mix of ditties that will get you in the mood, get your juices flowing and provide just enough oomph to reach and surpass your workout goals.

sYou’ll still need to do all the work but let’s just say that this compilation may just make you a bit more eager to hit that treadmill again and again.

1. Satisfaction – Benny Benassi

This is some pretty heavy artillery. Yes, the song talks about the ‘ultimate’ satisfaction. Yes, the beat is very much in line with the lyrics. And yes, you will get excited while listening to it.

2. I Believe in a Thing Called Love – The Darkness

These British glam rock boys will make you believe in two things: 1. That your workout is about to rock, big time! 2. In a little thing called Loveeee!

3. You – Gold Panda

For you Electronica buffs, this will be household name.

For those of you who don’t usually turn to this genre of music, this may be a little tricky to digest, but, you will benefit from its dizzying quality nonetheless.

4. Beat it – Michael Jackson

How could move better than MJ? Think of his energy, particularly during the time this motivational anthem came out and beat it….your limit, of course.

5. Slipknot – Psychosocial

As heavy metal-ish as this tune is, it’s sure to take you on a sweet journey (especially around the chorus).

6. Call Me – Blondie

Debbie Harry. That should be inspiration enough to keep things up nice and steady and work your body nice and…well, you know.

7. I Wish You Would – Martijn Ten Velden

This ultra-sexy house track will get you going. In more ways than one. Enough said.

8. Kanye West – Monster

Let Kanye, Jay Z and Nicki Minaj give you a little boost…just make sure you don’t join in on the chorus if you’re working out at the gym. Just to be safe.

9. Hey Ya! – Outkast

This one is safe to run and sing-along to alllll the way through.

10. Seven Nation Army – The White Stripes

Don’t let the starting beat fool you. Get ready to ride this tune out for all it’s worth. And that’s a whole lot.

11. Maniac – Michael Sembello (Flashdance Soundtrack)

OK, so, this one is a bit of a cliché, but, come on! Who could forget (and not be inspired by?!) the fantastic workout Jennifer Beals had to this song? Sweat dripping all over her warehouse/home/gym, she was a ‘maniac’ and, for about 4 minutes, you can be one too.

12. Feel Good Hit of the Summer – Queens of the Stone Age

Don’t let the ‘unhealthy’ lyrics of this rock picker-upper derail you. Use the sublime guitar riffs to burn those calories to the max.

13. The Power – Snap (Ultra Version)

Get some ‘power’ with this 90s dance anthem that’s sure kick things up a notch. It will also run your mind down memory lane, which can also provide for some workout-worthy inspiration.

14. Why Don’t you Love Me – Beyoncé

We honestly don’t know how anyone in their right mind could not love Queen B. This song and Beyoncé amazing figure, should inspire you to keep this working going as it should. Singing this one aloud is OK too.

15. War – Mos Def

So, Mos is pretty angry here. Use his anger and the lush guitar riff to release your all your negativity.

16. Hot Stuff – Donna Summer

The late Queen of Disco has left us with many golden tunes to cherish for a time to come. This one, however, she’s left for us to feel great about, so use it reach that extra mile and feel hot about it!

17. Jay Z – 99 problems

Make your only problem be to speed up or jump to another level on Jay’s next “Hit me!”

18. My, My, My – Armand Van Helden

This funky house anthem, with the oh-so-appropriate lyrics will get you in the right rhythm to keep those strides going. Try not to forget that you’re not on the dance floor of your favorite club, though.

19. Just Like Heaven – The Cure

When you’re ready to shift into a lower gear and are nearing the cooling-off portion of the workout, this 80s classic will hit just the spot.

20. Celebration – Kool & The Gang

Celebrate the good times and the incredible feeling of finishing up a fantastic workout! You’ll continue to hum this tune in the shower too, which is just an added bonus.

About the author

Darcy

Darcy is a journalist, now based in Europe. She enjoys and deeply respects the creative process and lives by a phrase coined by Sigmund Freud: "When inspiration does not come to me, I go half way to meet it."

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  • The best work out song is “Ray of Light,” by Madonna. Don’t know why it is not on here. “Kung Fu Fighting” is another one. :)