Even though scientists are just now figuring out exactly how music impacts the body during exercise, there’s no doubt about the power of music to boost your workout when you’re going hard and heavy. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve compiled a few tracks that will help you take your workouts up a notch or two.

10 SONGS FROM THE 1980S TO TRAIN TO

Check out these classics from the golden era of the pumped-up action hero.

1. Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses
   Perfect for getting any workout started right!
2. Straight Outta Compton – NWA
   NWA changed the game in 1988. Play it loud.
3. Shoot to Thrill – AC/DC
   Nearly any AC/DC track will do. This band was made for lifters.
4. Kickstart My Heart – Motley Crue
   More like “Kickstart My Workout!”
5. Rock You Like a Hurricane – Scorpions
   Not in the mood to train? Crank this up and rock your workout.
6. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor
   No 80s workout playlist would be complete without this classic track from Rocky III.
7. Master of Puppets – Metallica
   Another band whose music seems to be made for lifting.
8. Bring the Noise – Public Enemy & Anthrax
   Years before Nu-Metal there was PE and Anthrax. Just enjoy it.
9. Blue Monday – New Order
   The 80s’ greatest dance track. And it’s pretty good to lift to as well.
10. Follow the Leader – Eric B & Rakim
    Hard-hitting track from the Golden Age of Hip Hop.

SONGS FROM THE 1990S TO TRAIN TO

Give your workout a nostalgic kick in the butt with these great songs from the 90s.

1. More Human than Human – White Zombie
   What every lifter aspires to be.
2. Holler if Ya Hear Me –  2Pac
   Bring the fury at the gym with this classic from 1993.
3. Sabotage  – Beastie Boys
   One of the best bursts of energy to open a song, or your workout for that matter.
4. Walk – Pantera
   Crank this up on a day you’re going heavy.
5. Keep Hope Alive – Crystal Method
   Take your HIIT up a notch with Crystal Method’s classic debut single.
6. Firestarter – Prodigy
   Classic drum ‘n’ bass track will start your fire to make gains.
7. Mama Said Knock You Out – LL Cool J
   LL Cool J’s 1990 anthem fueled many workouts throughout the decade. Don’t call it a comeback.
8. Killing In The Name  – Rage Against the Machine
   You all know the lyrics to this one.
9. Du Hast – Rammstein
   You know what’s great for your workout? German. Lots of German.
10. Victory – Puff Daddy ft. Notorious B.I.G. & Busta Rhymes
    Biggie combined with a sample from Bill Conti’s “Going the Distance” (from the Rocky soundtrack)? Get on my workout playlist already.

10 SONGS FROM THE 2000S TO TRAIN TO

If your workouts are lagging, add these hard-hitting anthems of the new millennium to your playlist!

1. Give it All – Rise Against
   The title says everything.
2. Down With the Sickness – Disturbed
   Give your workout a kick in the ass with this song.
3. Renegades of Funk – Rage Against the Machine
   “No matter hard you try you can’t stop us now!” Enough said.
4. B.O.B. – Outkast
   Bangin’ single off of the classic “Stankonia” album.
5. Lose Yourself – Eminem
   You’re unlikely to see a “best of” workout playlist without this track.
6. Here to Stay – Korn
   You don’t need to justify your secret love of nu-metal. Just put it on and lift heavy!
7. Get Ur Freak On – Missy Elliott
   It’s time for the queen of hip hop to kick your workout up a notch.
8. Bodies – Drowning Pool
   Training to this song will definitely get you kicked out of Planet Fitness.
9. Won’t Back Down – Fuel
   “Daredevil” may have tanked as a movie, but it gave us this great workout track from Fuel.
10. Stronger –  Kanye West
    “Work it, make it, do it, makes us / Harder, better, faster, stronger” This excellent collaboration between Kanye and Daft Punk is perfect for the gym.