The Best Workout Songs

From Drake and Future's "Jumpman" to DaBaby's "Vibez," here are the best workout songs to add to your 2020 workout playlists.

Best Workout Songs
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Image via Getty/Jewel Samad

Best Workout Songs

No matter how much of a workout you’re doing, it’s all for naught without the right kind of fuel. I’m not talking about Gatorade, Powerade, or Red Bull. I’m talking about what’s massaging your ear drums while you’re pumping iron. There’s a reason there are so many workout playlists and suggestions for songs to check out for gym-goers. Selecting workout music is an imprecise science, though. Just because something moves fast and furious, doesn’t necessarily make it a good song to soundtrack reps. Playlists often make this mistake, sounding like the creator hasn’t even listened to the songs themselves.


In an effort to put together a collection of suitable workout songs, we focused on tracks that synthesize raw energy. We didn’t start from a playlist or from a suggestion. Each of these picks comes from personal experience in the gym. This list is a certified collection of the best workout songs that you’ll find around, regardless of age, genre, or subject matter. Here are the best workout songs for your next playlist.

Drake & Future, "Jumpman"

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It’s impossible to hear Future and Drake’s crown jewel from their 2015 collaborative album, What A Time To Be Alive, and not get excited. The Metro Boomin-produced tune packs venom in its 808s, brutalizing speakers with a simple, yet thunderous backdrop. The refrain is simple—literally Drake yelling “Jumpman” at the top of his lungs—and it’s exactly the kind of content you need in the gym when you’re three sets in of five and aren’t trying to hear lyrical spiritual rap. The interplay of Future and Drake here is legendary and it’s a guaranteed energy creator when in desperate need. —Trey Alston

Mustard & Migos, "Pure Water"

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Migos’ fast-paced raps over DJ Mustard’s booming production are guaranteed to make you jump. “Pure Water” is best paired with cardio, because it hits hard and fast, like getting rounds in on the punching bag. The trio of Quavo, Takeoff, and Offset sound surprisingly energetic here. Takeoff even snarls into the mic, a nice change in pace from the uncaring sniveling that sometimes takes place on his songs. —Trey Alston

DaBaby, "VIBEZ"

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DaBaby’s “VIBEZ” is the perfect track to set the tone for your workout session. It has a constant pace, which makes it easy for you to keep the energy consistent all the way through your first routine. This track is definitely meant for those who are ready to power through cardio or weight training, but just because it’s difficult, doesn’t mean it can’t be fun too. DaBaby’s aggressive and cartoonish energy on this track makes this a song you can enjoy and see results. —Jessica McKinney

Nipsey Hussle f/ YG, "Last Time That I Checc'd"

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When a song inspires you, it replaces the blood in your veins with fire. It motivates you to get off your ass and get to chasing the elusive bag. “Last Time That I Checc’d” is the kind of shit-talking that makes you want to get up and moving, but in addition to money, it can give you the right kind of gym inspiration to get ready for the summer. The lively production, with its booming crashes is one thing, but the wide-eyed rapping of Nipsey Hussle is another. YG even gets in on the fun, choosing to bring a harsher element to the song’s focus on elevation. This one is perfect for beginning a routine. —Trey Alston

J.I.D f/ J. Cole, "Off Deez"

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Jittery J.I.D and methodical J. Cole hold down the fort for energy drink rap with an intelligent center. “Off Deez” is so damn fast that it should have its own superhero show on the CW network. J.I.D twists and wobbles through his swift lines and J. Cole, not to be outdone, matches the intensity as he halfway shouts his verses. Hearing the two of them get this amped up does wonders for your own energy. Plenty of Red Bulls or Monsters must have been consumed in the making of this single. Pour out that excess runoff into some more cardio. Kick off the belly fat before it’s too late for this year. —Trey Alston

Travis Scott f/ Drake, “Sicko Mode”

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Travis Scott and Drake’s chart-topping single “Sicko Mode” has a lot of progressions and changes in pace, which makes it a great track for dynamic workouts. Drake’s opening verse gives you a chance to catch your breath or stretch, before Travis transitions to a speedier routine that’ll get your heart pumping. Then be prepared to take the energy up another notch for the final call-and-response verse before cooling down once again. —Jessica McKinney

City Girls f/ Cardi B, "Twerk"

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Of rap’s exciting new cast of female rappers, City Girls might have the most authentic energy. It’s difficult to put into words just how JT and Yung Miami bite while they spit lyrics about financial freedom, but you grow to appreciate their honesty and outlooks as you become familiar with their catalog. “Twerk” has a plain Jane name but it’s wildly energetic. The song is all about shaking it. While the body-twirling instrumental goes bonkers in the background, the duo rap with their tongues out, capturing the explosive energy perfectly. Cardi B blesses the pair with a feature verse so fitting that it’s tough to make the argument that the song isn’t Cardi’s now. Regardless of where you’re at in your set, there has to be some body-popping once this comes on. It’s that serious. —Trey Alston

Metallica, "Enter Sandman"

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On paper, a song about falling asleep and dreaming might not seem like it’s a good fit for the gym, but this 1991 single from Metallica’s eponymous fifth album (BKA The Black Album) has the drive to keep you pushing harder. The ominous guitar intro lets you know shit’s about to go down, and by the time James Hetfield roars “Enter niight, exit liight!” you’ll be breezing through the reps. —Riley Jones

Marky Mark & the Funky Bunch, "Good Vibrations"

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Don’t front on Marky Mark. Sure, we’ll admit that his early ‘90s persona was pretty corny, but how many white rappers weren’t corny back then? Over decades since “Good Vibrations” topped the charts, it’s still one of the most upbeat and positive songs for any type of cardio. It’s almost impossible not to break a smile while burning calories to this classic. —Riley Jones

Usher f/ Lil Jon & Ludacris, "Yeah"

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Sure, Usher’s usually a smooth R&B type of guy, but every now and then he knows how to crank it up. In ’04, he hooked up with Lil Jon and Luda for a club banger that still goes hard all these years later. This ATL-infused track has been popular in Zumba classes, but it’s perfect for just about anything that gets your body moving. What’s more, “Yeah” can also double as motivation for your night out on the town after putting in work in the gym. —Riley Jones

Big Sean f/ ASAP Ferg, “Bezerk”

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Big Sean’s “Bezerk” is best for running. This song isn’t meant for a stroll or a jog, though. This is for a full-on sprint. Sean and Ferg swap rapid-fire verses, making this a dizzying and fast-paced song. Whether you’re on the treadmill or running through the streets of your neighborhood, this record is bound to get your blooding boiling. By the end, you’ll probably need an ice bath. —Jessica McKinney

Snap!, "The Power"

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This is the perfect song to have on standby for when you need that final boost to keep pushing to the end. The 1990 Eurodance classic has remained relevant over the years with countless movie and TV placements, and it was even sampled by Kanye himself for the remix to “Power,” as a part of 2010’s G.O.O.D. Fridays series. And get this: In 2011, a group of around 20 people were getting their Tae Bo on to “The Power” at a 39-story Seoul shopping mall when their intensity caused the building to rumble for 10 minutes, calling for a 48-hour evacuation of the premises. Now that’s the kind of power you want to channel. —Riley Jones

N.W.A., "Straight Outta Compton"

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Right from the jump, the combo attack of Ice Cube’s opening verse on N.W.A.’s “Straight Outta Compton” and the rowdy beat provided by Dr. Dre and DJ Yella will smack you in the face with intensity. The lyric’s confrontational tone and braggadocio are perfect for the hardwood and will keep you motivated whether you’re just practicing your jumper or running a pick-up game against some local jabronis. —Riley Jones

Meek Mill f/ Drake, “Going Bad”

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“Going Bad” is one of those songs you need to hear in the gym to boost your confidence. It’s not necessarily the most fast-paced track, but Meek Mill and Drake’s braggadocious and macho bars make you feel invincible. Bench a little more or do a couple of extra squats during this track. You won’t regret going the extra mile. —Jessica McKinney

Puff Daddy f/ Lil' Kim, Biggie, Rob Zombie, Fuzzbubble & Dave Grohl, "It's All About the Benjamins (Rock Remix)"

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One of Puffy’s late ‘90s gems is this rock remix of the classic “Benjamins” joint. Powered by crunching guitars over one of the best rap beats of all time and some extra hype ad libs, this one is sure to get you moving. It’s especially great for interval training, thanks to the beat transitions between verses. By the time Biggie takes the mic, you’ll be going all out. —Riley Jones

Kanye West, "Stronger"

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Yeezy’s got a ton of high energy material in his discography, but 2008’s “Stronger,” driven by a robotic Daft Punk sample, is our top selection. Between the aggressive, brash lyrics, and the thumping synths, “Stronger” is perfect for anything from hitting those reps on the bench to sweating it out in the dance studio. Don’t act like we never told you. —Riley Jones

Survivor, "Eye of the Tiger"

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Sometimes nothing gets the job done like an old reliable classic. It’s pretty much impossible to listen to “Eye of the Tiger” without having flashbacks from Rocky III, and that alone is enough to pump anyone up. Just be glad you don’t have to fight Clubber Lang. —Riley Jones

DMX, "Ruff Ryders' Anthem"

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Decades after its release, DMX and Swizz Beatz’ seminal classic still goes just hard as it did on day one. Unfortunately, X’s career has been on a downward path since the early 2000s, and he doesn’t look to be bouncing back anytime soon. Maybe he can get back on track if he uses the rowdy, pumping drive of “Ruff Ryder’s Anthem” during CrossFit. Throw it on repeat, and knock out your WODs. —Riley Jones

Eminem f/ Nate Dogg, "'Til I Collapse"

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To see real results in the gym, you have to push yourself to the limit, to the point that it feels like you just can’t take any more physically. That’s why we picked Eminem’s Nate Dogg-assisted 2002 banger “Til I Collapse,” which is packed with adrenaline and an undeniable “never say die” attitude. As soon as the beat drops, you’ll be compelled to pick up the weights and keep going ‘til the wheels fall off. —Riley Jones

Megan Thee Stallion f/ VickeeLo, "Ride or Die"

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If you made a New Years' resolution to get a body like Megan Thee Stallion, the Houston rapper’s track "Ride or Die" is where you should start. This is a tune for “leg day,” thanks to Megan and VickeeLo’s relentless energy. There are no breaks in the song, but you won't regret putting in the work when you see the results at the end. —Jessica McKinney

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