Are you looking for some new best running songs to add to your playlist? Look no further! Weâve compiled a list of the best running songs that will keep you motivated and energized during your next run.
Music can have a powerful effect on our mood and motivation, making it an essential part of any workout routine. Thatâs why weâve put together a list of the best running songs, spanning across genres from pop to rock to hip-hop, to help you find the perfect tunes to keep you moving.
Why Music Matters for Running
đśÂ The Science of Music and Exercise
One study published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness found that listening to music with a fast tempo can increase our running speed and distance. This is because our brains respond to the beat of the music and can help us maintain a consistent pace.
Another study published in the International Journal of Psychophysiology found that listening to music can help us enter a âflow stateâ during exercise, which is when we are fully immersed in our activity and lose track of time. This can help us stay motivated and focused during long runs.
đśÂ How Beats Influence Pace
The tempo of a song can have a huge impact on our pace during a run. When we listen to music with a fast beat, our brains naturally want to match our movements to the rhythm of the song. This can help us maintain a consistent pace and even increase our speed.
However, itâs important to choose the right tempo for your workout. If the beat is too fast, you may end up burning out too quickly. On the other hand, if the beat is too slow, you may find yourself struggling to keep up with your desired pace.
With the right songs, Iâve often noticed that itâs easier for me to overcome phases of weakness and free up energy where I would have failed without these songs. Iâm always amazed by it.
Crafting the Perfect Running Playlist
Running with music can be a great way to stay motivated, energized, and focused during your workout. Crafting the perfect running playlist takes some effort, but itâs well worth it. Here are some tips to help you create a playlist that will keep you moving:
â Selecting Songs with the Right Tempo
One of the most important factors to consider when selecting the best running songs for your running playlist is the tempo. The tempo of a song is measured in beats per minute (BPM), and it can have a big impact on your running cadence. For example, if youâre running at a pace of 180 steps per minute, youâll want to choose songs with a tempo of around 180 BPM to help you maintain your rhythm.
đ§ Balancing Genres for a Dynamic Experience
While the tempo is an important factor, itâs also important to consider the genre of the songs you choose. A good running playlist should have a mix of genres to keep things interesting. For example, you might want to include some upbeat pop songs, some high-energy rock songs, and some fast-paced hip-hop tracks.
Mixing up the genres will help keep your running playlist dynamic and engaging. Itâs also a good idea to include some songs that you might not normally listen to outside of your workout. You might be surprised at how motivating a new genre of music can be.
đś Incorporating Personal Favorites
Finally, donât forget to incorporate some of your personal favorite songs into your running playlist. Whether itâs a classic rock anthem or a guilty pleasure pop song, including songs that you love will help keep you motivated and engaged during your workout.
Top Genres for Running Music
When it comes to running, having the best running songs can make all the difference. Music can help us stay motivated, energized, and focused.
đ¸ The Drive of Rock and Alternative
Rock and alternative music are great genres for running because they are high-energy and often have a driving beat that can help us keep pace. Some great rock and alternative songs to add to your running playlist include âEye of the Tigerâ by Survivor, âSeven Nation Armyâ by The White Stripes, and âMr. Brightsideâ by The Killers.
đ The Energy of Pop and Dance
Pop and dance music are perfect for running because they are upbeat and often have a fast tempo that can help us keep moving. Some great pop and dance songs to add to your running playlist include âCanât Stop the Feeling!â by Justin Timberlake, âUptown Funkâ by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars, and âShut Up and Danceâ by Walk the Moon.
đ¤ The Rhythmic Power of Hip-Hop and Rap
Hip-hop and rap music are great genres for running because they often have a strong beat that can help us keep pace. Some great hip-hop and rap songs to add to your running playlist include âLose Yourselfâ by Eminem, âJumpmanâ by Drake and Future, and âAll I Do Is Winâ by DJ Khaled ft. T-Pain, Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, and Rick Ross.
Iconic Running Songs and Their Impact
Running is a physical activity that requires a lot of motivation and dedication. One of the best ways to keep ourselves motivated while running is by listening to the best running songs.
đľ Anthems That Push Limits
One of the most iconic and best running songs of all time is âEye of the Tigerâ by Survivor. This song has been used in countless running montages and is known for its motivational lyrics and upbeat tempo. It has become synonymous with pushing yourself to the limit and never giving up.
âLose Yourselfâ by Eminem is another song that has become an anthem for runners. Its powerful lyrics and intense beat make it the perfect song to listen to when you need that extra push to keep going.
Another iconic and one of the best running song is âRun Like Hellâ by Pink Floyd. This song has a fast-paced beat that is perfect for running, and its lyrics encourage you to keep moving forward. It has become a staple in many running playlists and is known for its ability to motivate runners to push themselves to the limit.
đľ Songs That Have Defined Races
There are some best running songs that have become synonymous with certain races and have helped define them. For example, the New York City Marathon is known for playing âNew York, New Yorkâ by Frank Sinatra at the start of the race. This song has become a symbol of the race and is played every year to get runners pumped up before the start.
Another race that is known for its iconic song is the Boston Marathon. âSweet Carolineâ by Neil Diamond has become a staple of the race and is played at various points throughout the course. Its upbeat tempo and catchy lyrics make it the perfect song to keep runners motivated during the grueling 26.2-mile race.
Running Playlists by the Distance
đ§ Music can be a great motivator when it comes to running. It can help us push through the tough parts of our workout and keep us energized throughout the run. But not all playlists are created equal. When it comes to running, the type of music and the tempo can make a big difference.
đââď¸đââď¸ Sprints and Speed Workouts
When it comes to sprints and speed workouts, you need music that is fast and energizing. The tempo of the music should match the pace of your running. Look for songs with a high BPM (beats per minute) to keep you moving.
đľ Here are some best running songs that are perfect for sprints and speed workouts:
- âCanât Hold Usâ by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
- âLose Controlâ by Missy Elliott
- âRun the World (Girls)â by BeyoncĂŠ
- âJumpmanâ by Drake & Future
- âTill I Collapseâ by Eminem
đââď¸đââď¸ 5K and 10K Playlists
If youâre training for a 5K or 10K, you need music that is upbeat and motivational. The tempo of the music should be slightly slower than for sprints, but still fast enough to keep you moving.
đľ Here are some best running songs that are perfect for a 5K or 10K playlist:
- âEye of the Tigerâ by Survivor
- âAll I Do Is Winâ by DJ Khaled
- âShut Up and Danceâ by Walk the Moon
- âUptown Funkâ by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- âCanât Stopâ by Red Hot Chili Peppers
đââď¸đââď¸ Marathon Mixes
When it comes to marathons, you need music that is both energizing and calming. The tempo of the music should be slower than for sprints and 5Ks, but still fast enough to keep you moving. You also want to include some slower songs to help you relax and stay focused during the long run.
đľ Here are some best running songs that are perfect for a marathon playlist:
- âBorn to Runâ by Bruce Springsteen
- âDonât Stop Believin'â by Journey
- âSweet Carolineâ by Neil Diamond
- âI Will Surviveâ by Gloria Gaynor
- âThe Power of Loveâ by Huey Lewis and the News
đ§ With these playlists, youâll be sure to find the perfect music to keep you motivated and energized during your next run.
Creating Running Playlists for Different Environments
When it comes to running, having a playlist with the best running songs can make all the difference. But what works for a city run might not be as effective for a trail run or a treadmill session.
đ§ Urban Beats for City Runs
If youâre running on the road or in your neighborhood, youâll want a playlist with upbeat and energizing songs to keep you motivated. Look for songs with a fast tempo and a strong beat that will help you keep pace.
Some great options for the best running songs include:
- âCanât Hold Usâ by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
- âLose Controlâ by Missy Elliott
- âUptown Funkâ by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
- âEye of the Tigerâ by Survivor
đł Nature-Inspired Tracks for Trail Running
When youâre running in nature, youâll want a playlist with songs that match the mood and scenery. Look for songs that are calming, inspiring, and have a natural feel to them.
Some great options for the best running songs include:
- âThe Caveâ by Mumford & Sons
- âRiptideâ by Vance Joy
- âThe Chainâ by Fleetwood Mac
- âRunawayâ by The National
đ Treadmill Tunes to Avoid Boredom
Running on a treadmill can get boring fast, so itâs important to have a playlist that will keep you engaged and motivated. Look for songs that have a steady beat and a catchy melody that will keep you moving.
Some great options for the best running songs include:
- âShut Up and Danceâ by Walk the Moon
- âDonât Start Nowâ by Dua Lipa
- âBlinding Lightsâ by The Weeknd
- âCanât Stopâ by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Tips for Listening to Music While Running
đ§ Choosing the Right Headphones
Choosing the right headphones is crucial for a great running experience with music. We recommend using headphones that are designed specifically for running. These headphones are usually sweat-proof, water-resistant, and securely fit in your ears. You donât want headphones that fall out every few minutes or get damaged by sweat.
Wireless running headphones are also a great option as they eliminate the hassle of cords getting in your way. They also come in different styles such as earbuds or over-ear headphones. You should choose the style that you find most comfortable and secure.
đ Safety Considerations
Safety should always be a top priority when running with music. We recommend purchasing headphones that allow ambient noise, meaning that you arenât blocked off from the world around you. While it might be nice to get in the zone and tune out everything around you, thatâs not safe unless youâre running on a treadmill.
We also recommend keeping the volume at a reasonable level so that you can hear any potential dangers such as cars or other runners. Itâs also a good idea to run with a buddy or in well-lit areas to ensure your safety.
đ Volume and Awareness
Itâs important to find the right balance between volume and awareness when running with music. We recommend keeping the volume low enough so that you can still hear your surroundings. This will help you stay aware of any potential hazards and also allow you to communicate with other runners.
Itâs also a good idea to use music as a tool to enhance your running experience rather than distract you from it. Use music to pump you up when you need it or to help you relax and unwind on a cool-down run. Finding the right balance between music and awareness will help you enjoy your runs to the fullest.
Our Opinion on the Best Running Songs
As avid runners, we know that music can make or break a run. The right playlist can help us stay motivated, push through tough moments, and even improve our performance. Thatâs why weâve compiled a list of some of the best running songs that we believe will help you crush your next run.
âĄď¸ High Energy Songs
âEye of the Tigerâ by Survivor is a must-have on any running playlist. The iconic intro and powerful lyrics make it the perfect song to help you power through hills or sprint to the finish line. Another classic is âDonât Stop Believin'â by Journey. The upbeat tempo and inspiring lyrics make it a great song to keep you motivated during a long run.
đś Pop and Hip-Hop Hits
âCanât Hold Usâ by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis is a popular choice among runners. The fast-paced beat and motivational lyrics make it a great song for pushing through tough moments. Another great option is âLose You To Love Meâ by Selena Gomez. The slower tempo and emotional lyrics make it a great song for cooling down after a tough run.
đ¸ Rock and Alternative Favorites
âWelcome to the Jungleâ by Guns Nâ Roses is a classic rock song that will help you power through any run. The fast-paced beat and powerful guitar riffs make it a great choice for interval training. Another great option is âRadioactiveâ by Imagine Dragons. The intense beat and driving rhythm make it a great song for pushing through tough workouts.
FAQ
What are the best running songs?
Popular choices include âEye of the Tigerâ by Survivor, âStrongerâ by Kanye West, and âCanât Stop the Feeling!â by Justin Timberlake.Â
What makes a song great for running?
Upbeat tempo, motivational lyrics, and a strong rhythm are key factors.Â
How do I find new running songs?
Use music streaming services, running playlists, and recommendations from fellow runners.
What is your option on the best running songs? I would love to hear it in the comments. Iâm sure you also like reading about Best Running Headphones or Best Energy Gels for Running.
