The best songs to add to your running playlist

By: stephenmeyers

I think one of the most enjoyable aspects of running is when I throw on the ol’ iPod shuffle and let the music dictate the pace of my run. I can start out with a bang to the Ramones “Blitzkreig Bop,” then settle into a slower pace with Jack Johnson’s “F-Stop Blues” and on my longer runs, fall into a transcending, spiritual state while listening to post-rock band Explosions in the Sky.

According to studies, running with music lowers your perception of effort. Music can trick your mind into feeling less fatigued and encourage positive thoughts, even if you are feeling pain.

And music with a fast tempo (120-140 beats per minute) can be used to pump you up prior to a competition and matching the beat of the music to the tempo of the exercise can regulate your movement and reduce the oxygen required during running.

The dudes at the blog, The Art of Manliness, compiled a list of 52 of the best workout songs. Their key element in selecting the songs was tempo as according to experts, it is the most important factor in enhancing workout performance as it provides timing and coordination for your movements.

Fifty-two songs is a lot to list on here, so check out the link, but here are some notables (many of which I run to). (I can’t stand “The Final Countdown” by the way).

“Thunderstruck“-AC/DC

“Loser“-Beck

“Seven Nation Army“-The White Stripes

“Paint it Black“-The Rolling Stones

“Bulls on Parade“-Rage Against the Machine

“B.O.B“-Outkast

“D.A.N.C.E“-Justice

“Lose Yourself“-Eminem

“The Distance“-Cake

“Should I Stay or Should I go Now“-The Clash

And one not on the list, but a song I’ve run to a lot recently is “Electric Feel” by MGMT. Good stuff, but sometimes I find myself dancing rather than running. Still cardio right?

What are some of your favorite running songs?

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