Creating the Perfect Workout Playlist

Many of us like to listen to music while working out. It helps you get in the zone and makes exercising more enjoyable. With so many music options out there to choose from, how do you create a workout playlist that will motivate you and get you in all the right feels? We're sharing our top tips on how to create the perfect workout playlist and Myprotein's custom playlists tailored to specific workouts, so you can kill it the next time you head to the gym, and have a great time while doing it.

Diversify the Genres

If you want to make uniquely creative workout playlists, don't stick to just one genre. Choosing a diverse mix of genres will keep things interesting and keep you pumped while you're getting those gains. Try coordinating the genre of music for a playlist to the type of exercise you're doing.

For example, if you're doing cardio, you can choose songs that are upbeat with a nice tempo to encourage movement. Many gym goers like to listen to dance genres like dance-pop or house while doing cardio to get their bodies moving. For the perfect runner's tracks (no pun intended), check out MyProtein's "I am A Runner" Spotify playlist with bops from artists like Katy Perry, Calvin Harris, and Alesso.

If you're lifting, and you really want that surge of energy and power, try rock and roll, punk rock, trap, or rap music. For weightlifting, Myprotein's "I am A Weightlifter" playlist will be sure to push you and help you reach your goals with powerful hits by Drake, Doja, and Kendrick Lamar.

And if you're winding it down with yoga, try some softer genres like pop-soul, alternative/indie, and folk music. These types of songs will put you in a calm state and promote mindfulness. Myprotein's "I am A Yogi" playlist is ideal for relaxed movements and attaining focus with classics from Adele, Hozier, and Ben Howard.

Confidence Jams

There's nothing like a motivational hit to get you on the workout grind. Trying a confidence playlist can help get your mind in the right state and give you that boost you need to push yourself. The type of music people listen to can have a noticeable effect on their mood at any given moment. One study published in The Journal of Positive Psychology showed that listening to positive music can increase happiness.¹

So if you listen to upbeat, confident anthems, there's a good chance they'll help you feel motivated to get your body moving. Recent hits like "Made You Look" by Meghan Trainor and "Bejeweled" by Taylor Swift will be sure to fill your head with positive vibes and get those endorphins flowing.

Move to the Beat

If you want to synchronize your workout to your playlist, you can exercise according to the beat of the song. So for example, if you're walking or running on the treadmill, you can match your pace to the tempo of the song. You can also build a playlist where the songs increase in beats per minute (BPM). So if you're on the treadmill, try starting out slow during your warm-up with a song with a slower tempo, attaining a faster, consistent pace mid-workout, and then slowing back down to end your routine. Or if you're feeling ambitious, you can finish fast and strong by increasing your pace and going into a sprint towards the end with a faster-paced song. Forming your routine around the speed of songs will allow you to play around with various types of tempos and your exercising pace, making your workout all the more fun.

Many treadmill runners will also create playlists with a theme like early 2000s or walk or run to a specific artist like Taylor Swift or Rihanna. And speaking of treadmills, that brings us to our next tip.

The Treadmill Strut

The treadmill strut is a TikTok trend that has been popular for the past few months. The trend is simple: Get on a treadmill for your workout routine, straighten your posture, and walk like you're a fashion model on the runway. Try doing this while you're listening to your cardio playlist. It will make the treadmill fun and can actually give you a confidence boost.

Shuffle Your Songs & Movements

Finally, if you want a challenge, try shuffling from one playlist to the next and coordinating your movements to the type of song. So for example, if a dance-pop song plays, do some form of cardio for the next few minutes. Then if you hear a rap song come on next, switch to some free weights. This will let you do a little bit of everything in one session and can be a fun way to change things up if you're feeling stuck in the same routine.

Take Home Message

At the end of the day, there's no wrong way to go with music. Do whatever feels good and whatever is the most enjoyable for you. Creating a workout playlist that is personalized to your routine or using one of Myprotein's hot mixes will make you feel all the more motivated to get out there and move your body. So, what's going on your 2023 playlist?