REVEALED: The Hottest Music Genres to Fuel Your Workout!
Music Industry

REVEALED: The Hottest Music Genres to Fuel Your Workout!

Photo of author
Written By Will Fenton
Music Industry

REVEALED: The Hottest Music Genres to Fuel Your Workout!

Photo of author

Get ready to explore the fascinating world of the trendiest music genres for your workout routine!

In this captivating article, we’ll delve into the data surrounding these popular choices.

So, without any delay, let’s jump right in and embark on this exhilarating journey!

A survey conducted with 1,000 fitness-loving participants (welcoming all ages and genders) shows a clear ranking of what genres are the most popular to play during a workout: 

Music genrePercentage of listeners
Pop53.4%
Hip-Hop/Rap48.6%
Classic Rock46.3%
Alternative30.4%
Electronic/Dance29.2%
Heavy Metal24%

The same participants also shared what genres helped these gym-goers to beat their personal records: 

Music genrePercentage of listeners
Hip-Hop/Rap57.4%
Pop54.9%
Classic Rock45.7%
EDM33.8%
Alternative33.1%
R&B/Soul29.3%
Heavy Metal26.8%
Indie Rock26.5%
Country24.3%
Jazz24%

Additionally, these participants also shared what they consider to be music genres for intense workouts, this data has been displayed as a top 10 ranking:

RankingGenre
1Hip-Hop/Rap
2Pop
3Classic Rock
4EDM
5Heavy Metal
6Alternative
7Indie Rock
8R&B/Soul
9Punk
10Country

Infographic

REVEALED: The Hottest Music Genres to Fuel Your Workout!

Why Is It Important to Know All of This Information?

This information is important to understand because music can have a significant impact on our workout performance and overall motivation.

Listening to music while exercising has been shown to provide various benefits.

First and foremost, music can enhance our mood and help us stay motivated during workouts.

It can increase our enjoyment and make exercise feel less strenuous, potentially leading to longer and more intense workouts.

Additionally, music has been found to increase our heart rate, improve coordination, and boost endurance.

It can also serve as a distraction from fatigue and discomfort, allowing us to push through challenging workouts.

However, the effectiveness of music during workouts can vary depending on individual preferences, the type of exercise, and personal factors.

Different genres of music evoke different emotions and energy levels, which can influence our workout experience.

Read more:  How to Become a Rapper in 2023: Comprehensive Guide

Some genres, such as high-tempo and upbeat music like pop, rock, electronic, or hip-hop, are often favored for their energetic and stimulating qualities.

These genres can provide a fast-paced rhythm that syncs with our movements and helps maintain a steady pace during cardio exercises or high-intensity workouts.

On the other hand, some individuals may prefer more mellow genres like classical, instrumental, or ambient music for activities that require focus, concentration, or relaxation, such as yoga or weightlifting.

Ultimately, determining the best genre of music for working out is a subjective matter.

It depends on individual preferences, the specific exercise routine, and the desired mood or energy level during the workout.

Experimenting with different genres and selecting music that aligns with personal tastes and fitness goals can help create an enjoyable and effective workout experience.

Top Genres to Play

We conducted a survey by researching songs found in playlists with the words ‘gym’, ‘beastmode’, ‘workout’ in the playlist title via Spotify.

This data shows the popular types of genres listened to when working out. 

Below shows the featured playlists:

Playlist NameMost Popular GenrePlaylist Saves
hot girl workoutHip Hop / Rap34,813
Bum workoutHip Hop / Rap436
WORKOUT REMIX GYM MotivationHip Hop / Rap122,506
L’ GainzHouse Music35,725
The Real Beast ModeHip Hop / Rap4,614
Workout Playlist 2023Pump It UpElectronic
Workout Playlist For Hot Gym Girls AHrrr!Hip Hop / Rap293,919
WORKOUT HITS 2023Pop58,976
Gym BeatsElectronic92,175
WORKOUTHouse Music726
WORKOUT MUSIC HITS 2023Electronic647,434
WORKOUT PLAYLIST 2023Hip Hop / Rap5,841
GYM PHONK 2023 AGGRESSIVEElectronic391,451
WORKOUT 2023 Exercise MusicDance86,592
slay workoutHip Hop / Rap4,675
Gym Music – Heavy LiftingRock416,335
WORKOUT | BEAST MODE | AGGRESSIVERock129,762
workoutPop137
Hardstyle Remix of Popular SongsElectronic290,446
BOXING WORKOUTElectronic53,549

Out of all 20 playlists, the data tells us that Hip Hop / Rap is the most played genre within exercise-related playlists, followed by Electronic Music.

Electronic music and hip-hop/rap are distinct genres with different origins and characteristics.

Read more:  10 Best Music Technology Degree Schools (2023)

However, they do share some similarities, and there have been instances where they intersect or influence each other.

Here are a few points that highlight the similarities between electronic music and hip-hop/rap:

  1. Production Techniques: Both genres heavily rely on technology and production techniques. Electronic music often utilizes synthesizers, drum machines, and computer-based software to create and manipulate sounds. Similarly, hip-hop/rap incorporates sampling, sequencing, and beat-making using digital tools and software.
  2. Emphasis on Rhythm: Both electronic music and hip-hop/rap place a strong emphasis on rhythm. In electronic music, the beats, basslines, and intricate drum patterns drive the composition. Hip-hop/rap also relies on rhythmic elements, with beats and percussion forming the foundation for the vocals.
  3. Remix Culture: Remixing and reinterpreting existing music is a common practice in both genres. Electronic music often involves remixing tracks from various genres and incorporating them into new compositions. Hip-hop/rap has a long history of sampling, where producers extract and manipulate portions of existing songs to create new beats and instrumentals.
  4. Experimental Nature: Both genres have a tendency to push boundaries and explore new sonic possibilities. Electronic music is known for its wide range of subgenres and experimental approaches, constantly evolving and incorporating new sounds and techniques. Hip-hop/rap has also seen experimentation with different production styles, unconventional sampling, and the blending of diverse musical elements.
  5. Live Performance: Both electronic music and hip-hop/rap can be experienced in live performances that often involve DJ sets, MCing, and interactive elements with the audience. DJs and electronic music producers perform live sets, manipulating tracks and creating unique mixes. Similarly, hip-hop/rap artists perform their songs with live instrumentation or backing tracks, engaging the audience through their stage presence and lyrical delivery.

While these genres do share similarities, it’s important to recognize that each has its own distinct history, culture, and artistic characteristics.

They have evolved independently and can also incorporate elements from other genres, making their intersections diverse and dynamic.

Top 10 Songs to Play

Additionally, according to a study conducted by a UK-based gym group called Pure Gym, and with the help of Spotify, the organization similarly looked at Spotify data.

Read more:  Booking Shows for Unsigned Artist: How to Go About It?

The organization analyzed over 142,000 songs found in various playlists with keywords such as ‘gym’ and ‘workout’ in the playlist title.

Below shows the featured songs: 

Song and artistNo. of playlists featured in
‘Till I Collapse – Eminem318
Roses – SAINt JHN (Imanbek remix)252
The Business – Tiësto218
Head & Heart (feat. MNEK) – Joel Corry206
Turn Me On (feat. Vula) – Riton168
Stronger – Kanye West168
Remember the Name (feat. Styles of Beyond) – Fort Minor166
Goosebumps – HVME160
Power – Kanye West156
Breaking Me – Topic150

Claiming the ultimate position is a timeless Eminem masterpiece. “Till I Collapse,” a track from Eminem’s fourth studio album, The Eminem Show, released in 2002, reigns supreme.

Surprisingly, despite never being released as a single, this song remains one of Eminem’s most streamed tracks on Spotify, amassing an astounding 1 billion streams!

Curiously, the remaining tracks in the top 20 showcase a captivating blend of both contemporary chart-toppers and beloved classics.

Recent hits like “Paradise” by MEDUSA (ft. Dermot Kennedy) and the Imanbek remix of “Roses” by SAINt JHN share the limelight with timeless gems such as DMX’s “X Gon’ Give It To Ya” and Linkin Park and Jay-Z’s “Numb/Encore.”

This harmonious fusion of old and new resonates with music enthusiasts across generations.

Let’s Talk Science 

Fun fact for you: listening to music is related to beneficial effects on the following:

  1. Physical performance (improves speed, endurance, and movement efficiency)
  2. Mood and motivation (enhances good feelings and the desire to exert harder)
  3. Perceived exertion (lowers the feeling of fatigue during and after exercise)
  4. Oxygen consumption (optimizes oxygen utilization)
EffectSME
Feeling scale (motivation)0.48
Performance (speed, strength, endurance)0.31
Perceived exertion (fatigue)0.22
Oxygen consumption0.15
Heart rate0.07

When examining the standardized mean effect (SME) values, effects below 0.2 are classified as small, 0.5 as medium, and 0.8 as high.

Interestingly, all of the standardized mean effects, with the exception of “oxygen consumption” and “heart rate,” were both small and statistically significant. 

Summary 

Harnessing the power of music can serve as a powerful catalyst for cultivating healthy lifestyles through regular and consistent exercise.

When individuals find motivation in music that resonates with their personal taste, they are more likely to stay committed to their fitness routines.

Engaging in physical activity accompanied by enjoyable music has several advantageous effects.

Firstly, music has the potential to enhance mood and uplift spirits, creating a positive and energizing environment for workouts.

The rhythmic beats and melodies can ignite a sense of excitement, pushing individuals to exert more effort and engage in longer exercise sessions.

Moreover, music acts as a distraction from physical exertion and discomfort.

By diverting attention away from sensations of fatigue or muscle strain, music helps individuals persevere and extend their workout duration.

This distraction allows for a higher tolerance of exertion, resulting in more productive and fulfilling exercise sessions.

Additionally, music has the remarkable ability to synchronize movements.

When individuals synchronize their actions with the rhythm and tempo of the music, it can optimize their performance and coordination during exercise.

This synchronization not only enhances efficiency but also reduces the risk of injury by promoting smoother and more controlled movements.

Furthermore, music can evoke emotional connections and memories, triggering positive associations with physical activity.

By associating exercise with enjoyable music, individuals create a psychological link between the two, reinforcing the inclination to engage in regular workouts.

This association transforms exercise from a chore to an enjoyable experience, making it easier to maintain a consistent routine.

In summary, leveraging the benefits of music can be a valuable tool for promoting healthy lifestyles through regular exercise.

By choosing music that resonates with personal preferences, individuals can harness its motivational power, increase workout adherence, enhance mood, distract from discomfort, improve coordination, and foster positive associations with physical activity.

So, turn up the tunes, find your rhythm, and let the music guide you toward a healthier and more fulfilling fitness journey.

Photo of author

Will Fenton

Introduced to good music at a young age through my father. The first record I remember being played was "Buffalo Soldier" by Bob Marley, I must've been six years old. By the time I was seven, I was taking drum lessons once a week. The challenge but the euphoric feeling of learning a new song was addicting, and I suppose as they say the rest was history. Favorite album of all time? Tattoo You by The Rolling Stones Best gig you've ever been to? Neil Young at Desert Trip in 2016 Media mentions: Evening Standard Daily Mail

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This