The Best Songs to Do Cardio To: My Personal Cardio Playlist
I'll admit it: cardio isn't always my favourite thing to do.
But give me my headphones, a good playlist and a song with the right beat, and suddenly it's a completely different workout.
For me, the best cardio music isn't necessarily the fastest or most aggressive music. It just needs to make me want to move.
My actual workout playlist is a slightly chaotic mix of house music, hip-hop, indie, old-school tracks, remixes and songs I've probably heard 500 times but still refuse to skip.
And honestly? That's exactly how a workout playlist should be.
So if your cardio routine could use a refresh, here are some songs straight from my own playlist.
Start With Something That Gets You Moving
I don't need to start a cardio session at 100%.
I actually like songs with a good groove at the beginning — something that lets me settle into my pace while still making me want to move.
A few from my playlist:
Pretty Please — Dua Lipa
Take You Dancing — Jason Derulo
APT. — ROSÉ & Bruno Mars
Jerk It Out — Caesars
I Just Might — Bruno Mars
These are perfect for getting warmed up on the treadmill, bike, elliptical or even just heading outside for a walk.
House Music Makes Cardio Better
This might be my favourite cardio category.
There's something about a repetitive house beat that makes it easier to zone out and just keep going.
Some of my favourites:
You Were Right — RÜFÜS DU SOL
World, Hold On — Bob Sinclar
Because You Move Me — Tinlicker & Helsloot
We Are Mirage — Empire of the Sun & Eric Prydz
In My Mind — Dynoro & Gigi D'Agostino
Be My Lover — Hypaton & David Guetta ft. La Bouche
Dancin (Krono Remix) — Aaron Smith & Krono
Sinnerman (Sofi Tukker Remix) — Nina Simone
Go Bang — PNAU
Put one of these on during an incline walk and suddenly you're not staring at the treadmill timer every 14 seconds.
When I Want a Little Hip-Hop Swagger
Not every cardio song needs to sound like you're at a rave.
Sometimes I want something with a slower, heavier beat that makes me feel cool while I'm suffering.
My playlist has plenty:
Tyler Herro — Jack Harlow
Lovin On Me — Jack Harlow
First Class — Jack Harlow
Pour It Up — Rihanna
Ms. Fat Booty — Mos Def
C.R.E.A.M. — Wu-Tang Clan
Easy Rider — Action Bronson
TRICERATOPS — Action Bronson ft. Paul Wall & Lil Yachty
Hustlin' — Rick Ross
Blue Slide Park — Mac Miller
Love Lost — Mac Miller & The Temper Trap
Paint The Town Red — Doja Cat
These are especially good for steady-state cardio when I'm not necessarily trying to match my steps to the BPM — I just need something that keeps me in the zone.
Songs for Picking Up the Pace
Then there are the songs that come on and you automatically start moving a little faster.
These are the ones I want when I'm increasing my incline, resistance or pace:
I Go Dance — Kiesza
I Don't Wanna Wait — David Guetta & OneRepublic
Blow Your Mind (Mwah) — Dua Lipa
Training Season — Dua Lipa
Symphony — Clean Bandit ft. Zara Larsson
Make It Bun Dem — Skrillex & Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
Don't Lie — The Chainsmokers & Kim Petras
Hide Away (Alan Walker Remix) — Daya & Alan Walker
Desire (Speed Garage Remix) — Hiko
If you're doing intervals, you can even use your music instead of obsessing over the clock.
When the energy picks up, you pick up the pace.
When the song chills out, recover.
Simple.
This is possibly the most important part of building a playlist.
Not every song needs to make sense.
My workout playlist has everything from RÜFÜS DU SOL and Dua Lipa to Wu-Tang Clan, Limp Bizkit, Action Bronson, Mac Miller and Run-D.M.C
There are songs that make me dance.
Songs that make me walk faster.
Songs that make me feel badass.
Songs I associate with a particular time in my life.
And songs that probably wouldn't make anyone else's “Top 20 Workout Songs” list.
That's the point.
The Best Cardio Playlist Is YOUR Cardio Playlist
You don't need to download somebody else's perfectly curated 150-BPM gym playlist.
Start collecting songs that make you want to move.
If a song makes you instinctively turn up the speed on the treadmill, add it.
If it makes you forget you've been climbing stairs for 20 minutes, add it.
If an old song comes on and suddenly you're transported back to 2007, definitely add it.
Cardio doesn't have to be punishment.
Walk. Run. Dance. Cycle. Climb. Row.
Put on music you love and make movement something you actually look forward to.
And if you're wondering what I'm listening to while I'm doing mine?
Apparently the answer is everything from house music to Wu-Tang.
And I wouldn't have it any other way.