When it comes to build a workout routine, there are a few tips I tell everyone: put it in your calendar, go to the gym with a workout plan, wear clothes that make you feel good and make sure you have an epic workout playlist. Simple right? For me, my music in the gym is critical. The musician in me always moves to the rhythm of whatever I’m listening to at the time. And if the vibe isn’t right, my mind during my workout isn’t going to be either.
So today I thought I’d share how to create the perfect workout playlist. It might take a bit of time and finesse to get there. But the end result will be so great that you look forward to it every time you go to workout!
Pick Your Mood
I’m very much a music sets the mood kind of gal. I am constantly using music or ambient noise throughout the day to get me in the right headspace. So of course, my perfect workout playlist is no different. I want my playlist to be motivating and have a good beat. If it’s a song I’d sing at the top of my lungs in the car, there’s probably a good chance it’s going to be on this list.
My music taste is a bit all over the board: jazz, musicals, classic rock, pop, etc. But I tend to stick with faster paced songs that put me in a good mood. Your perfect workout playlist might look different and that’s okay. The goal is to build a mix of music that keeps you in the zone and will keep you motivated no matter how much you think you can’t do another rep.
Pick Your Time
The length of your perfect workout playlist is almost as important as the mood. Ideally, you want your playlist to be at least twice as long as your workout. This way you can skip songs you aren’t in the mood for without having to worry about hearing the same songs over and over again. If I’m in the mood to listen to a certain handful of songs, I’ll pop them into my play next queue and then let the rest of the playlist shuffle. I’ve been building my current playlist for years so it’s quite hefty. But it’s certainly long enough that I never have to worry about running out of music mid-workout.
ONLY PICK SONGS YOU LOVE
It’s a small workout pet peeve of mine. Nevertheless, it always frustrates me when it happens. There are a few songs on my perfect workout playlist that make it not so perfect. And when they shuffle on while I’m in the middle of something that requires extra energy (ski jumps, planks, and whatever else Linn Lowes sees fit), I sudden find myself distracted. I need to change it right then and there because it’s killing my vibes.
Nine times out of ten, I can resist the urge until the end of whatever I’m going. But when you’re already pushing yourself to go harder in the gym, you don’t really want to be distracted by a poor song choice. As Marie Kondo would say, “Does this bring you joy?” If the answer isn’t a heck yes, then that song does not belong on your gym playlist.
UPDATE IT REGULARLY
To be honest, I don’t think I’d want to live in a world where I couldn’t shazam what song is playing. Could I do it? Absolutely. But then I’d be missing out on discovering some of my favorites.
I’m constantly adding new songs to my playlist or deleting ones that I don’t love as much as I thought I did. If I hear a song on a tv show, Youtube video or movie, I’ll shazam it and add it to my spotify playlist. Pretty much anytime I hear something that I enjoy the beat behind, I’m searching and adding. This keeps my playlist fresh and keeps me entertained in the gym. It also means my perfect workout playlist is always evolving which helps me stay motivated!
PULL INSPO FROM OTHERS
If you have absolutely no idea where to start building your perfect workout playlist, don’t worry! It can take some time. When I want to switch it up or maybe I just need some new music, I’ll borrow from other people’s playlists. Both Allana Davidson and Rachel Hollis have great mixes I regularly use. If your bestie has a playlist they always play in the car you love, ask them to send it to you. Or search through Spotify’s pre-made workout playlist and save some of your favorite songs from them. And before you know it, you’ll have the perfect workout playlist for your next fitness session!
What about you? What’s on your perfect workout playlist? Do you have one you regularly use and listen to in the gym? Be sure to leave me a comment below and let me know! And if you want to check out my workout playlist, you can click the link here to listen. Until next time. Xoxo, Savvy
