Best Rock Music for Workouts
Anybody who exercises knows that nothing can amp up the energy of a workout quite like music. Scientific research likewise confirms that well-chosen music can increase endurance and ratchet up enthusiasm for physical activity. Since rock music tends to be uptempo, it makes a great choice for workout playlists. The rock songs you choose will depend on your taste in music and the type of workout you want to do.
Running and Jogging
If you are a runner, you will want music with a fast beat that won't falter. Who wants to be jogging along to a high-energy song, only to have the song slow down and your pace and energy level with it? Fast-paced rock music is just the thing to keep your spirit motivated and your feet moving right along down the road.
Hard Rock and Heavy Metal
With their fast tempo and hard-driving rhythms, these hard rock and heavy metal songs can be a runner's dream come true.
- Dragula by Rob Zombie
- Du Hast by Rammstein
- Faint by Linkin Park
- Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
- The Final Countdown by Europe
- Run to the Hills by Iron Maiden
Dance Rock
Dance rock songs with high-spirited and peppy beats can make runners feel like flying.
- I Would Die 4 U by Prince
- Little Secrets by Passion Pit
- Scream & Shout by will.i.am
- Get the Party Started by Pink
- Don't Lie by Black Eyed Peas
- Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners
Popular Rock
Popular rock songs that have a high number of beats per minute can be great additions to runners' playlists.
- Beat It by Michael Jackson
- One Big Holiday by My Morning Jacket
- Locked Out of Heaven by Bruno Mars
- Sex On Fire by Kings of Leon
- Paparazzi by Lady Gaga
- On the Floor by Jennifer Lopez
Classic Rock
Intense and fast-paced classic rock songs can make any run feel like a breeze.
- Run Through the Jungle by Creedence Clearwater Revival
- American Girl by Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
- Run Like Hell by Pink Floyd
- Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones
- Runnin' With the Devil by Van Halen
- Tusk by Fleetwood Mac
Aerobics and Other cardio
Your workout might be centered around aerobic dance or cardio activities like biking, walking, kickboxing, or using gym equipment such as ellipticals or rowing machines. If that is the case, then rock songs that are reasonably uptempo will help keep your heart rate up, your sense of fatigue down, and your energy level soaring high.
Hard Rock and Heavy Metal
If you are wanting to go the extra mile on your bike, these hard rock and heavy metal songs might just give you that extra push.
- Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses
- Highway to Hell by AC/DC
- Testify by Rage Against the Machine
- Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana
- Ace of Spades by Motorhead
- Down With the Sickness by Disturbed
Dance Rock
There is nothing quite like dance rock songs to infuse a huge energy surge into any aerobics workout.
- Celebration by Kool and the Gang
- Love Shack by The B52s
- Does Your Mother Know by ABBA
- Moves Like Jagger by Maroon 5
- Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO
- Super Bass by Nicki Minaj
Popular Rock
Whether you like to go for broke on a rowing machine or climb to heights of fitness on a stair-stepping machine, popular rock songs with a lively beat will get you there.
- Survivor by Destiny's Child
- Gonna Fly Now by Bill Conti
- Born This Way by Lady Gaga
- Rolling in the Deep by Adele
- Dirrty by Christina Aguliera
- What Goes Around Comes Around by Justin Timberlake
Classic Rock
Classic rock songs are all about high-energy aerobic workout power.
- Magic Carpet Ride by Steppenwolf
- Bad to the Bone by George Thorogood
- Don't Fear the Reaper by Blue Oyster Cult
- Immigrant Song by Led Zeppelin
- White Wedding by Billy Idol
- Fat Bottomed Girls by Queen
Strength Training
If working out with weights is your thing, then rock music works wonders for pumping up your strength training regimen. While you are sweating out your sets and repetitions and feeling those muscles burn, you will want songs with smooth, powerful, steady rhythms to keep you fierce, focused and determined.
Hard Rock and Heavy Metal
Nothing can surpass hard rock and heavy metal for helping you keep those repetitions going.
- I Stand Alone by Godsmack
- Enter Sandman by Metallica
- Walk by Pantera
- Back in Black by AC/DC
- Breaking the Law by Judas Priest
- The Hand That Feeds by Nine Inch Nails
Dance Rock
Dance rock for strength training? Absolutely. Dance rhythms can help energize you when you are working out with weights, funneling extra power into every set.
- Tightrope by Janelle Monaé featuring Big Boi
- Get Up Offa That Thing by James Brown
- Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
- Every Time We Touch by Cascada
- Pump Up the Jam by Technotronic
- We Got the Beat by The Go-Gos
Popular Rock
Rock songs from the top of the charts can be strong motivators during strength workouts when they have good, pumping beats.
- Get Me Bodied by Beyoncé
- Gotta Work by Amerie
- Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
- What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger) by Kelly Clarkson
- She Works Hard For the Money by Donna Summer
- What I Like About You by The Romantics
Classic Rock
When you're doing strength training, gritty classic rock tunes are great for ratcheting up your determination to get in that one last rep.
- Hollywood Nights by Bob Seger
- Voodoo Child (Slight Return) by Jimi Hendrix
- We Will Rock You by Queen
- Hurricane by Bob Dylan
- Iron Man by Black Sabbath
- Piece of My Heart by Janis Joplin
Be Flexible
For your workout playlists, you might want to experiment. You could try some of the running workout songs for your strength training, or you could try some of the strength training songs with aerobics. No matter how you might switch and swap, you will benefit from abundant rock music to motivate you during your workouts. Flexibility is the key, and above all, have fun.