Pump up the jams! The Power of Music in Workouts

Curating the Perfect Workout Playlist for Every Stage of Your Routine

Pump up the jams! The Power of Music in Workouts

Music is a powerful tool for enhancing your workouts. It can help improve your endurance, lower your perception of effort, and synchronise your movements to boost your overall performance. The tempo, lyrics, and emotional tone of your music can influence your mood and energy levels, making it essential to choose the right tracks for each stage of your workout.

Whether you're tackling cardio, heavy lifting, or winding down, here’s how to curate a playlist that empowers you through every moment of your workout.

1. Cardio: Energise and Elevate with High-Tempo Beats

Cardio workouts demand energy, stamina, and motivation, making it essential to play high-tempo, upbeat tracks that get your heart racing. Songs with tempos between 130-160 BPM (beats per minute) are perfect for activities like running, cycling, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

What to Look For in Cardio Tracks:

  • Tempo: Fast beats (130-160 BPM) to keep you moving and energised.

  • Lyrics: Empowering, uplifting lyrics that push you to go the extra mile.

  • Genre: Dance, hip-hop, pop, and electronic music with catchy beats.

Sample Cardio Playlist:

  • “Run the World (Girls)” by Beyoncé – A high-energy anthem that sets an empowering tone.

  • “Levitating” by Dua Lipa – Upbeat and joyful, it helps maintain a steady pace.

  • “Phoenix” by Fall Out Boy – Great for pushing through high-intensity intervals.

  • “Rain on Me” by Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande – Keeps you moving with an infectious dance beat.

Pro Tip: Select songs that have positive memories or personal significance to give you an extra push during your cardio sessions.

2. Heavy Lifting: Feel Strong with Bass-Driven, Focus-Boosting Tracks

When it's time to lift, you need tracks that inspire grit, power, and mental focus. Moderately paced tempos (100-130 BPM) with strong beats are ideal for strength training, while lyrics about resilience and confidence can provide that extra edge.

What to Look For in Lifting Tracks:

  • Tempo: Moderately paced (100-130 BPM) with a powerful beat.

  • Lyrics: Empowering and motivating, focusing on strength, resilience, and confidence.

  • Genre: Hip-hop, rock, and bass-heavy pop to help you feel invincible.

Sample Heavy Lifting Playlist:

  • “TNT” by AC/DC – A strong beat and bold lyrics for extra drive.

  • “Dog Days” by Florence and the machine – Fierce and empowering vibes.

  • “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor – Classic motivation for any weight room.

  • “Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa – Pop-driven beats that give you a burst of energy.

Pro Tip: For some, instrumental or less lyric-heavy music can help with focus, allowing you to channel more mental energy into lifting.

3. Cool Down: Relax and Recover with Calming Tracks

The cool-down phase is about bringing your heart rate down, stretching, and letting your body recover. Choose slower-tempo, soothing music (around 60-90 BPM) that allows you to relax and reflect on your efforts. We love using tracks from a special cool-down playlist that aligns with the vibe we foster at Slam—bringing familiarity and relaxation to the end of your session.

What to Look For in Cool-Down Tracks:

  • Tempo: Slow and soothing (60-90 BPM) for a relaxing wind-down.

  • Lyrics: Reflective, calming lyrics that encourage mindfulness and tranquility.

  • Genre: Soft pop, R&B, or acoustic tunes for a gentler tone.

Sample Cool-Down Playlist:

  • “Ocean” by Michael Brant DeMaria – A SLAM Classic cooldown track!

  • “Let go” by Chama Wijnen – Reflective with a mellow vibe.

  • “Centred” by EON NOIRE – Smooth rhythms that help with easing tension.

Pro Tip: Ending your workout with familiar tunes can help build a sense of routine and closure, reinforcing positive gym experiences. At SLAM, our go-to warm-down song helps create that familiar, comforting atmosphere to transition you back to your day.

Bonus Tips for Curating a Motivational Playlist:

  1. Regular Updates: Refresh your playlist often with new tracks to keep your workouts feeling exciting and fresh!

  2. Mind the Flow: Pay attention to transitions between songs to maintain a smooth workout flow.

  3. Personalise: Customise your playlist with tracks that empower you personally and make you feel strong.

With the right playlist, each phase of your workout can feel seamless, powerful, and uniquely yours. So lace up, plug in, and get ready to make every sweat session count! 🎶💪

Lyndsey Roberts