Top 10 Workout Songs
You're in the gym and just not into it. No sweat ... yet.
A tune comes on and you step up the pace. You add more weight to the barbell. You do an extra set. You're thinking killer abs.
These are the songs that get you there:
10. Mofo - U2
Relatively unknown track from an album ("Pop") that was panned by critics. But this instrumental tingles your senses. Get ready to build some muscle and burn some fat.
9. Song for America - Kansas
If you saw Steve Walsh in his prime, you'd understand. Kansas' lead singer did handstands on the piano and had abs like no one in the industry. This song flows with energy.
8. Dreams I'll Never See - Molly Hatchet
A Sentimental pick. When I was 20, I pumped iron with my friend Paul and we always found an extra gear when this song came on. " ' Cause I've got dreams, I've got my dreams."
7. Welcome to the Jungle - Guns 'n' Roses
Slash's frenetic opening chords so familiar and powerful that the unstoppable New England Patriots use this when the team is on defense.
6. Hard as Steel - George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars
The female background singers whisper inspiration while the band keeps a funky, rhythmic beat. Clinton knows how to establish groove.
5. Hammering in My Head - Garbage
Shirley Manson singing "sweat it all out" is inspiration enough to keep moving — whether it's lifting weights, working abs or jumping rope.
4. You Shook Me All Night Long - AC/DC
"Knocking me out with those American thighs" is perhaps one of the all-time great rock 'n' roll lyrical phrases. Angus Young's opening riff transcends generations.
3. Around the World - Red Hot Chili Peppers
Flea, John Frusciante, Chad Smith and Anthony Kiedis show their best within the first 20 seconds, perhaps the most intense opening ever of a rock track.
2. More Human Than Human - White Zombie
The opening riff is downright primal. If you're hyping up for an athletic activity, there's not much more you can do. Except look for more RHCP.
1. Give it Away - Red Hot Chili Peppers
The entire track sounds like a rubber band about to snap, yet it doesn't. So the pressure, pull and tension prevail somehow within a wall of thunderous sound.
Good list. I would add something from Van Halen, maybe like Eruption or Mean Streets.
Posted by:Seth | September 25, 2007 at 09:25 AM
I LOVE More Human Than Human. But I play it when I'm pissed off.
Another good workout song, especially if you walk: Stupid Girl by Garbage.
Posted by:Christine | September 25, 2007 at 09:53 AM
No Metallica!?!
Posted by:David Gracian | September 25, 2007 at 11:56 AM
Rebel Yell, Billie Idol. Thanks for the other ideas.
About the moon - did you hear me howling? It's really great!
Posted by:Lisa | September 28, 2007 at 11:17 AM
Billy Idol - nice. That should be somewhere in the Top 20. The moon has been awesome.
Posted by:Dan | September 28, 2007 at 02:28 PM
thought there would have been eye of the tiger in the top 10 since its meant to make u try harder durin ur workout and u do more than your usual. so it said in a science journal this week
Posted by:muscles from brussels | March 16, 2008 at 02:36 PM
Muscles - I thought of using this classic Survivor track but it's kind of tacky and dated for my tastes.
Posted by:Dan | March 20, 2008 at 09:45 PM
And Justice For All... Metallica.. yeahh!! lol
Posted by:ripped abs | July 18, 2008 at 02:56 PM