10 Best Songs for Jogging in the Morning

Ah, motivation. It’s such a big word, isn’t it? I look at my running shoes everyday and think “You know, tomorrow I’m going to put those on and go out before breakfast.” Of course, then reality hits and I realize I am not nearly awake enough to be running outside in the elements before the sun comes up. That is, until I learned that the right playlist makes all the difference.

You cannot start jogging in silence. You will get bored. Silence is for the expert jogger, not the novice. We beginners need inspiration and I have to say that inspiration is not going to come from sappy love songs.

No matter how in love you are right now, your slow and adoring love song will only slow you down. Why, you ask? Because love songs make you dreamy. They make you walk slowly and want to stop and smell the roses. They don’t make you want to run off your energy and get hyped up for the day. Leave your Celine Dion at home. Here are the top ten songs for joggers that are guaranteed to get you moving.

#1: The Rocky Theme

The Rocky Theme will make you feel like Rocky. I’m not talking about Eye of the Tiger (although that one should be somewhere in your iPod), I’m referring to the song that plays in Rocky when he’s training for the big fight against Apollo.

I can’t think of any song that makes me want to jog more than this one. Get up, move those legs, drink your power protein shake and run like Rocky!

#2: Midnight City

This song by M83 is one of the best jogging songs for those of you who like to run before the sun comes up. Not only is the beat catchy and hip, but the lyrics are easy to learn. Plus, as you’re jogging in the early twilight hours, listen to the line “The city is my church” and enjoy the streetlights while you’re watching the city wake up.

#3: Harlem

Not to be confused with the Harlem Shake, this song by New Politics is a definite wake up and move your body kind of tune! If you need peppy, bouncing happy songs to get your butt in gear (like I do) then Harlem is the perfect song for you. Plus, the rhythm is perfect for jogging, it’s not super fast and it’s not too slow.

#4: Mama’s Broken Heart

Miranda Lambert made this song for all of us women who go a little psycho when we’ve been dumped. it’s also a really peppy song. The opposite of sappy love songs, Mama’s Broken Heart is going to make you laugh, going to make your legs move, and it’s going to make you feel good about being a (crazy) woman. Especially if you’re running off a heartache.

#5: Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’

Okay, I’ll admit it. I probably know every Disney tune ever written for every Disney movie ever made. Over the summer, though, Disney surprised me with some fabulous choreography and a dance which had this song in their Teen Beach Movie.

I loved it so much I made it my ringtone. Why is this on the jogging list? Because it has an Elvis Presley meets West Side Story kind of feel to it and it is very, very catchy. There are no slow parts, the rhythm doesn’t soften and get sappy, it’s an all out happy go lucky Greaser kind of tune that is going to make you snap your fingers and run a little faster. Get ready to move.

#6: Hungry Like the Wolf

Duran Duran is one of the best bands to jog to. Not only is all of their music catchy and upbeat, but chances are you know all the lyrics to at least half of their songs. This one is definitely one of their best. Besides the upbeat melody, as you run you’ll be imagining the music video to this one, and that in itself will motivate you.

#7: Applause

I really like Lady Gaga. This woman knows how to create a catchy tune. Applause is a great song for jogging because it makes you feel as if there’s going to be a crowd of admirers at the end of your run, cheering you on loudly! Definitely jog to this song, it’ll make you feel good.

#8: Santeria

Sublime wrote what has to be one of the catchiest songs ever when they wrote this one. Not only are the lyrics fun (especially when you’re angry), but when you’re jogging the beat is absolutely perfect. This is a great first song to get you moving and a great last song to wind you down. All the while, you’ll be singing along to it.

#9: Mr. Jones

I knew a woman who loved this song. She said it was her favorite get happy quick tune. I didn’t really pay attention to it at the time, but now I understand what she meant. The Counting Crows are a great band anyway, but Mr. Jones will make you feel good. Plus, the upbeat tune (which is a constant throughout) will keep your legs moving.

#10: My Sharona

This song by The Knack is definitely a motivational tune. It’s peppy, it’s constant, and just about everybody knows the words. At some point in your life you’ve heard My Sharona. Make this one you hear in the morning when you want to get yourself going. The beat is perfect for that mid jog hump.

Whatever your style of music, the best songs for jogging in the morning are the songs that have a peppy beat, a catchy sound, or just make you want to move your feet. A great rule to go on is that if you can dance to it, you can jog to it. If you need a few more songs to add to your list, then try anything from the 80’s. Those tunes will keep you going.

Cover photo: tumblr.com