Keep your running shoes nearby as we’re about to take you on a high-octane, heart-thumping journey of rhythm and motivation. Whether you’re a first-time jogger finding your stride or a seasoned marathoner training for your next race, syncing your strides to the beat can transform your fitness routine from mundane to mega-energetic! There’s no denying music has the power to motivate us, uplift our mood and set the pace for an effective workout – and where better to find these perfect playlists than Spotify? Let’s dive into the world of exhilarating beats, euphoric highs, and inspiring lyrics as we explore the top Spotify playlists that will push you to run faster, go harder, and crush those fitness goals like never before!
The best Spotify playlist for running is subjective and may vary depending on individual preferences. However, our website offers a curated list of popular running playlists that cater to various genres, tempos, and moods. You can explore these playlists and choose the one that aligns with your musical taste to enhance your running experience.
Table of Contents
- The Impact of Running to Tempo Music
- Identifying the Ideal Music for Your Run
- Top Spotify Playlists for Runners
- Crafting Your Perfect Running Playlist
The Impact of Running to Tempo Music
Music and running have enjoyed a long-standing relationship that has only gotten stronger with time. While the impact music has on individuals is subjective, studies have shown that music could be an excellent performance enhancer for runners. But what exactly is tempo music’s role in running?
Think of tempo music like the fuel in your car; it determines how fast your body can move and how far you can go.
Tempo-based music essentially follows a consistent beat that aligns with running cadence – the number of times one foot touches the ground during a minute of running. A song’s beats per minute (BPM) would correspond to specific running speeds. For example, a playlist with BPMs between 160-180 might be better suited for faster-paced runs, while those between 120-140 might be ideal for slower ones.
Now, how does this impact performance?
Performance Enhancement
Imagine running without any music – every breath seems laborious and heavy, and you feel drained before even reaching the halfway mark. But then, you plug on some pounding tunes with matching BPMs that help synchronize your breathing and stride, making you feel lighter on your feet.
That’s precisely how music enhances running performance – by creating a harmonized rhythm between physical effort and sound. It’s been proven to lower physical exertion during workouts while increasing endurance and speed. Listening to personalized playlists also distracts from discomfort or boredom caused by repetition and stressors, improving mental resilience and overall well-being.
Top Spotify playlists for running include:
- 35-Minute Interval Running Playlist by POPSUGAR Fitness
- Running 2021 – Running Music – Running Hits by Storm Music Group
- Run ‘N’ Bass 170-175 BPM by Spotify
- 80s Running Playlist by stuartcross
- Running Motivation – HIIT Workout by Leah <3
These playlists cater to all music preferences and aim to provide motivation and energy during workouts. They vary in tempo and genre to suit different types of runs.
Boosting Motivation
Running can be challenging – the heat, the fatigue and monotony may make it challenging to stay on track. But with a good playlist, all those obstacles may seem more manageable. Listening to music while running boosts energy levels, alters moods and distracts your mind – ultimately improving overall performance [^1]. If you’re struggling to find motivation, why not look at Spotify’s top playlists for running?
Take the time to explore different choices as you might discover new genres of music that energize and motivate you – leading to better workout performance.
For example, imagine listening to upbeat pop music during your run suddenly changes your mood from tired and frustrated to feeling empowered. This shift in emotion may help you find an extra push to run that last mile.
Now that we understand the ways in which music can boost our motivation while running, let’s take a look at identifying the ideal music for each person’s preferred style of running.
- Listening to music while running can have numerous benefits, including boosting energy levels, altering moods, and distracting the mind. It can ultimately improve overall performance during workouts. Exploring different genres of music and finding playlists that energize and motivate you can lead to better workout experiences. The right music has the power to shift your mood from tired and frustrated to feeling empowered, giving you that extra push to reach your goals. It is important to identify the ideal music that suits your preferred style of running for maximum motivation and performance.
Identifying the Ideal Music for Your Run
While some runners prefer fast-paced and rhythmic beats, others opt for slower tempos but with meaningful lyrics. It is important first to identify what type of runner you are before selecting your playlist.
If you’re an endurance runner, then focusing on songs with slower BPMs could be ideal as they allow for greater physical relaxation [^2]. Slow tempos are also perfect for warm-ups or cooldowns before or after a workout.
If you’re into interval training or sprinting, then faster tempos may suit you better. Tracks with high BPMs increase heart rate and keep pace consistent throughout runs- which is essential when it comes to maintaining peak intensity during these types of workouts.
| Genre | Tempo Range (BPM) |
|---|---|
| Pop | 120-135 |
| Rock | 110-140 |
| R&B | 110-130 |
| Hip-Hop | 125-140 |
| Electronic/Dance | 120-140 |
Table: Popular genres and their ideal BPM range [^1].
Regardless of your preferred style of running, remember that music should energize, motivate and distract you from the fatigue associated with running. It aids in creating an optimal mental state during exercise[2]. Personalize your playlist for maximum enjoyment to get the most out of your running experience.
Genres and Beats Per Minute (BPM)
When it comes to running, the beats per minute (BPM) of a song can be crucial in helping maintain a consistent pace. Higher BPM songs tend to be ideal for high-intensity runs, while lower BPM songs are suitable for slower, steadier runs. Additionally, the genre of music played during your run has a considerable impact on one’s mood and mindset.
For example, rock or rap hits might energize you and keep you motivated, while softer acoustic music might induce relaxation. The perfect playlist should feel like the ideal soundtrack to match your running pace and help you boost your energy levels.
With this in mind, we’ve curated some top Spotify playlists that have been tailored for runners’ diverse musical preferences and achieve their fitness goals.
- Research has shown that songs with a tempo of 120-140 beats per minute (BPM) are ideal for moderate-intensity exercise, like running. Many of the top Spotify playlists for running, such as “Running 2021 – Running Music – Running Hits by Storm Music Group” and “Run ‘N’ Bass 170-175 BPM by Spotify”, offer tracks within this range.
- In a 2018 survey conducted by Runners World, 61% out of 11,000 runners reported listening to music during their workout, indicating the demand for effective running playlists.
- A study published in The Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness in 2020 found that listening to music while running significantly increases the likelihood of achieving better performance results, suggesting the importance of curated playlists for enhancing the running experience.
Top Spotify Playlists for Runners
Spotify is necessarily your go-to online resource for finding empowering workout playlists that facilitate an endorphin rush. Each of these playlists can provide motivation throughout various exercises by maintaining a steady rhythm. These lists combine a plethora of genres, ranging from pop and rock to electronic dance music or EDM, with rhythms specifically designed for running.
The Solid Muse features an “Electronic/Pop” playlist with fast-paced tracks from artists such as Daft Punk, Lady Gaga, and The Chainsmokers at around 120-140 BPM.
For those who prefer trap music or EDM tunes, check out Trap Nation’s “Running Mix” or Proximity’s “Run This Playlist,” which both feature tracks with strong bass lines at around 150-170 BMP. If you’re in the mood for something more mellow while still keeping up with your exercise routine, Monstercat has an energetic but relatively slow tempo playlist called “Bass Party.”
Similar to how preparing for a marathon requires personalized training programs that account for previous experiences and fitness levels, selecting a running playlist that fits your musical preferences is essential. A good running playlist needs to be engaging and offer a mix of songs in different genres, tempos, and pacing.
Other notable playlist curators providing runner-friendly tracks outside of Spotify include PressPLAY OK, LostInTheMusic, Anjunabeats, Spaceuntravel, For The Love Of Bands, We Are: The Guard, Triple J and AlexRainBirdMusic.
Curated Playlists by Tempo, Genre and Mood
Listening to music while running can help keep the pace and enhance the overall experience. Spotify, one of the most popular music streaming platforms worldwide, caters to different preferences and moods with their running playlists. Whether you prefer upbeat hip hop or fast country music, there is no limit to the genre you can explore when creating a running playlist on Spotify. Several users have created running playlists according to their taste in tempo, genre, and mood that other users can access.
Curated Playlists by Tempo, Genre and Mood:
| Playlist Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 35-Minute Interval Running Playlist by POPSUGAR Fitness | Ideal for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, features a mix of pop, rap, and electronic dance music (EDM), starting with slower songs before building up to fast-paced tracks. |
| Running 2021 – Running Music – Running Hits by Storm Music Group | Ideal for passionate runners who thrive on energy-filled tracks from genres like Pop, Rock, R&B/Hip Hop/EDM. |
| Run ‘N’ Bass 170-175 BPM by Spotify | For those who love electronic music, this playlist features a fast tempo of bass-heavy tunes that goes perfectly with a constant sprinting pace. |
| 80s Running Playlist by stuartcross | Perfect for nostalgic runners who grew up listening to Eighties chart-toppers and features artists like Madonna, Prince, Michael Jackson and others. |
| Running Motivation – HIIT Workout by Leah <3 | Ideal for longer runs when motivation dwindles out – This playlist contains both slower and faster numbers from various genres to keep one entertained during those long gruelling runs. |
Crafting Your Perfect Running Playlist
Creating the perfect running playlist might seem overwhelming at first; however, with a little strategy and patience, you can create one tailored to your needs. Some things that you need to consider include the tempo of your music choice, your stamina level, the environment you’ll be running in and the distance you’ll cover.
Start by experimenting with running playlists created by others on Spotify – Curated Playlists by Tempo, Genre and Mood as previously mentioned. Once you’ve discovered what works best for you, add those tracks to your playlist.
Begin your playlist with a few tracks that have a slow tempo before gradually building up to faster-paced songs. This gradual tempo increase can help prepare both your mind and body for a more intensive workout. For longer runs, make sure to incorporate both fast and slow-paced numbers and at times intermittent silences or long instrumentals are perfect for some light exercise like jogging or brisk walking.
Personally, I find that hip hop tracks from the early 2000s work best for me when I need motivation halfway through my run. They act as a distraction from the tiring physical activity while simultaneously providing an adrenaline boost.
It’s also crucial to pay attention to lyrics; some listeners prefer motivational lyrics like Katy Perry’s “Roar” while others may opt for more instrumental-focused tracks from classical composers such as Beethoven or Mozart.
Lastly, ensure that you have enough tracks to last throughout the entire duration of your workout. There is nothing worse than being left with silence during a lengthy run!
Keith Rumjahn is CEO and founder of Dustland. He is an expert on fitness and a speaker on move to earn at multiple conferences.