How to Make A Great Running Playlist
Why Music Matters
Research shows that music motivates us, and can increase endurance while running by up to fifteen percent! It also increases positive emotions while running, even when we feel exhausted!
Beats Per Minute
Another important aspect of a running/cardio playlist is the number of beats per minute or BPM. This determines the pace of the song, which will affect the pace of your run (also known as your cadence)! Many studies have found that the best rated BPM overall is 180. When the BPM match your cadence, you are able to flow along with the music almost like a dance. You feel the music running through your body and it increases your feelings of joy and strength!
There are also apps that will tell you the number of beats per minute in a song, and a quick google search of a song's BPM will often tell you the number of beats per minute as well.
180bpm Song for Runners!
The Emotion!
Another important thing to think about when you are making your running playlist, is whether the songs that you are adding are ones that you can connect to. Do you FEEL the music? Do the rhythm and the beat get you feeling excited to get out there and run? The best songs are the ones that are SO GOOD that make you want to move, even when it's early in the morning and you didn't get enough sleep, for example.
The Playlist
Here are song suggestions for the BEST running playlist ever! These songs will get you moving in no time!
- Run It! by Chris Brown ft. Juelz Santana
- The Fighter- Gym Class Heroes feat. Ryan Tedder
- Don't Stop Believin'- Journey
- #1- Nelly
- Anything Could Happen- Ellie Goulding
- Give Me Everything- Pitbull
- Tennis Court- Lorde
- Pompeii- Bastille
- Lose Yourself- Eminem
- Roar- Katy Perry
- Get Into the Groove- Madonna
- Turn Down For What- DJ Snake & Lil Jon
- 99 Problems- Jay Z
- Billie Jean- Michael Jackson
What other songs can you think of that help get you in the right mindset for a run?!
