Creating An Epic Workout Playlist

Whether lifting weights, running on the treadmill, or doing some other form of cardio, having a great playlist can make all the difference. The right music can give you the motivation to push yourself harder and achieve your fitness goals. When it comes to working out, everyone has different tastes in music.

As women, music truly inspires us. When it comes to working out, we want something that not only is going to get us pumped up and physically moving, but something that will talk to us. We have a “cleaning house” playlist, so it only makes sense that we have an epic workout playlist too.

Some people prefer fast-paced songs that increase their heart rate, while others prefer slower, more motivating tunes. No matter what your preference is, there are a few things that all great workout playlists have in common. They’re well-rounded, have a good mix of fast and slow songs, and are tailored to the individual’s taste. Here are some tips from music producer Benjy Grinberg, on how to create an epic workout playlist.

1. Know Your Workout Intentions

Before you can start putting together your playlist, you need to know what kind of workout you’ll be doing. Are you looking for something to help you power through a tough lifting session? Are you trying to increase your endurance with a longer run? Or are you simply looking for something to help you get through a quick HIT workout? Knowing your intentions before starting will help you narrow down the type of songs that will work best for you.

For example, slower songs with a steady beat may be best if you’re looking for something to help improve your stamina during the long run. On the other hand, if your goal is to lift heavier weights or do some explosive cardio movements, opt for faster-paced tracks with lyrics that pump you up. By knowing what kind of workout you’ll be doing beforehand, you can better choose which songs will fit into your playlist.

2. Make It Well-Rounded

Once you know what kind of workout you’ll be doing, it’s time to start thinking about which songs will fit into your playlist. A great way to build a well-rounded mix is by

including songs from different genres and decades. This will keep things interesting and prevent your playlist from feeling one-dimensional. For example, if most of the songs on your playlist are current top 40 hits, try adding a few throwbacks from the 80s or 90s.

Including songs from different genres will also help keep things interesting. If you typically listen to pop music when working out, try adding in a few tracks from other genres like hip hop or EDM. You might be surprised at how much these new genres can motivate and energize you during your workouts.

3. Personalize It

One of the most important things to do when creating a workout playlist is personalizing it. Choose songs that really speak to you and get you pumped up for your workouts. These are the tracks that will help push you through even when you’re feeling tired or sluggish. If there’s a particular song that always gets you moving and motivates you to push yourself harder, add it to your playlist!

The Right Tempo

The first thing you’ll want to consider when creating your playlist is the tempo of the songs. Generally speaking, you’ll want to stick to songs that have a fast tempo (120-140 beats per minute) as they tend to be more motivating. However, if you prefer slower-paced music, that’s fine too. Just make sure the songs you choose have a good flow and don’t disrupt your workout rhythm.

Variety

Another important thing to keep in mind is variety. You don’t want your playlist to sound monotonous, so make sure to include a mix of song types, artists, and genres. This will keep you from getting bored and help you stay focused on your workout.

Familiarity

While it’s important to mix things up, you also don’t want to include too many unfamiliar songs. Stick to tracks that you know and love so you can sing along and really get into the rhythm of your workout. Familiarity will also help keep you from getting distracted by trying to figure out what the lyrics are saying.

Final Thoughts

Now that we’ve gone over how to create an epic workout playlist, it’s time for YOU to put one together! Start by thinking about what kind of workout you’ll be using it for, then choose a mix of fast and slow songs from different genres (include some throwbacks, too!). As Benjy Griberg recommends, personalizing it by adding in any tracks that speak to YOU and getting YOU pumped up for your workouts! Creating an amazing workout mix will be a breeze with these tips in mind.