Top 10 Ultimate Cardio Songs
#10: “Titanium” (2011) David Guetta feat. Sia
It’s always good to warm up before workouts and that goes for cardio also. We don’t know if he planned it this way, but it turns out David Guetta’s “Titanium” is a perfect song for starting off slow. It begins a little calmer with the first verse building up to a rousing chorus. And that, friends, is the perfect moment to hit that ‘up’ arrow on your training equipment, and go full throttle on speed and energy. When the girl in the music video speeds off on her bike, that’s your cue!
#9: “Eye of the Tiger” (1982) Survivor
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If your daily exercise routine involves defeating a multitude of boxers in a montage-style cardio workout, then look no further than “Eye of the Tiger.” Whether you’re running up library steps, punching frozen meat, or simply running on an elliptical at the gym, this song is a great motivator for all your cardio activities. Of course, “Rocky” fans will be even more elated to hear this classic hit. But, no matter your taste in movies, there’s no way you’ll hear this beat and not move your feet! There’s just something about that opening riff that always gives us the extra boost we need!
#8: “Hollaback Girl” (2005) Gwen Stefani
Whether you’re working out alone or with your crew of Harajuku Girls, Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” is a great cardio track to add to your playlist. Now, the staccato might not be in perfect alignment with your steps on the treadmill, and the 110 beats per minute might seem a little slow for sprints. But it all works. And that chorus is almost impossible not to sing along too, which will only serve to motivate you even more - while also possibly annoying the person on the machine next to you. But who cares! Just tell them it’s bananas, B-A-N-A-N-A-S!
#7: “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)” (1990) C+C Music Factory
The Falling Never Gonna Let You Down
It literally says it right there in the title. This song is going to make you sweat! And, of course, that’s what cardio is all about! Once that beat drops, you couldn’t possibly stay still. To quote Ross from “Friends,” “you could try, but you would not be successful.” As cheesy as it might be, this is one of those guilty pleasure songs that will absolutely get you moving and grooving. If you need more proof, look no further than Michael Scott’s enthusiasm for the tune! C+C Music Factory, more like a calorie-burning factory!
#6: “Wake Me Up” (2013) Avicii
Akoben X Florence - Don’t Wake Me Up (Lyric Video)
Most of us probably don’t find ourselves smiling while we work out–at least not before the endorphins kick in. But, if you look like the dreary, unhappy townsfolk at the beginning of the “Wake Me Up” video, not to worry! By the second half of the video, they’re all smiling, dancing and jumping around at the Avicii concert. That’s just what this song does! Folktronica is definitely an interesting mix, to say the least, but Avicii really makes it work. If you’re looking for some party vibes while you work out, throw on your headphones, press play on “Wake Me Up” and wake up those happy cardio vibes!
#5: “Beat It” (1983) Michael Jackson
For those of us with more intense cardio routines - we’re talking a knife fight while attached to your opponent by your wrists - then Michael Jackson’s “Beat It” is the perfect tune! Even if over-exaggerated gang-fighting isn’t your go-to calorie burn, “Beat It” is still a great choice as musical accompaniment. It has the nostalgia factor that will put a smile on your face and an uptempo beat that will keep your legs pumping and your heart rate on the rise. You might even find yourself moonwalking from one machine to the next. Go for it! We don’t judge!
#4: “Level Up” (2018) Ciara
Not only is this song a good one to keep you pumped during your workout, the “Level Up” video is a great dancercise workout in itself - if you can manage to follow along. Lots of core work and cardio with some flexibility training and power moves will have your whole body feeling it after a mere 3 minutes. Regardless of the workout you choose, this hot track’s pounding beat will leave you energetic and working your hardest to “level up” your heart rate and get an even better burn!
#3: “Push It” (1987) Salt-N-Pepa
Who needs a trainer yelling at you when you have Salt-N-Pepa? The hardest part of a good cardio workout is often pushing yourself past the comfortable stage. But, as most cardio enthusiasts will tell you, when it gets hard, that’s also when it gets good. And with this track, you have a refrain encouraging you to, well, push it! Yes, we know the lyrics are referring to… let’s call it a different kind of cardio workout. But that doesn’t make the song any less cardio worthy, because don’t we all just want to “push it real good”?
#2: “Lose Yourself” (2002) Eminem
Malagrino Lose You To Love Me Selena Gomez Cover
If it’s motivation you need, there might be no better soundtrack to your workout than “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. Odds are, it’s probably not your “one shot or one opportunity” at doing cardio, but there’s no denying the powerful motivation of Eminem’s lyrics. The desire to succeed at something and do whatever it takes to reach your goals will keep you putting one foot in front of the other until your palms are sweaty, your knees are weak, and your arms are heavy. Although, you might want to wait till after your workout to have mom’s spaghetti. Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions. “Recognition” (2014), CFO$ If It’s Good Enough for Charlotte Flair, It’s Gotta Be Good Enough for You “We Got the Beat” (1981), The Go-Go's The Rockin’ Beat Doesn’t Stop & Neither Will You “Rather Be” (2014), Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne A Great Song to Keep You Focused, Even When You’d “Rather Be” Doing Something Else “Pump Up the Jam” (1989), Technotronic Get Your Feet Stompin’ & the Jam Pumpin’ “Everybody (Backstreet's Back)” (1997), Backstreet Boys “Rock Your Body” to This Awesome, Guilty Pleasure Jam from the ‘90s
#1: “Stronger” (2007) Kanye West
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The pulsating beat of Kanye West’s “Stronger” might just be the best song to play when you need that extra push. It just “makes us harder, better, faster, stronger,” you know? The beat barely slows down for the entirety of the 4+ minutes, so you can really give your body the cardio workout you deserve. Every time it gets hard, you’ll have Kanye in your ear telling you that what doesn’t kill you can only make you stronger! And who wants to argue with him? “Work it harder, make it better” and absolutely crush your next workout!
