Let’s be real—there’s nothing worse than hitting the gym, getting ready to smash a workout, and then... silence. Or worse, someone else's questionable taste in music (yes, I’m looking at you, guy blasting death metal at 6 AM). If you’re a personal trainer, you already know that music and working out go together like protein shakes and shaker bottles—you can technically have one without the other, but why would you want to?
A well-curated playlist can be the secret sauce that turns a sluggish, uninspired session into an electrifying, heart-pumping workout. The right beats can push clients to go harder, keep them engaged, and even make them forget that they’re, you know... exercising. So, let’s talk about how personal trainers can harness the power of music to transform workouts from meh to magnificent.
The Science Behind Music and Working Out
Before we get into the fun part (aka, crafting the ultimate workout playlist), let’s take a quick dive into the science-y bit. Research has shown that music can:
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Reduce the perception of effort – Meaning your clients will feel like they’re working less than they actually are. (Sneaky, right?)
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Increase endurance – Ever found yourself running longer just because your favourite song came on? That’s because music can help with pacing and stamina.
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Boost mood and motivation – No one wants to squat to elevator music. A killer track can lift spirits and keep energy levels high.
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Improve coordination and movement – The rhythm of music can sync up with physical movements, making exercises feel more natural.
Now that we’ve got the science to back it up, let’s get to the fun part—putting together a playlist that slaps. (Yes, I just said slaps. Let’s roll with it.)
How to Build the Ultimate Workout Playlist
1. Match the Beats to the Workout
Different workouts need different vibes. You wouldn’t play chill acoustic guitar while smashing out deadlifts (unless you’re trying to reinvent fitness in the most confusing way possible). Here’s a rough guide:
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Warm-up (120–130 BPM) – Think light, upbeat tracks that ease people into the session. You don’t want them going from zero to beast mode in two seconds flat.
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Strength Training (130–140 BPM) – A solid mix of hip-hop, rock, or electronic music works wonders for those heavy lifts.
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Cardio/HIIT (140–160 BPM) – High-energy pop, EDM, or rap that keeps the pace up and the motivation high.
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Cool-down (90–110 BPM) – Mellow, chill vibes to bring heart rates down and transition into recovery mode.
If you're looking for some workout inspiration make sure to check out our blog, packed full of different types of workouts and workout types for different types of clients.
2. Know Your Audience
If your client prefers old-school rock but you’re blasting out TikTok hits, you might see some serious side-eye. Personal training is about creating the best experience for your clients, so ask them what music they like and curate accordingly.
Pro tip: If you train multiple clients with different tastes, make a few different playlists so you can switch things up.
3. Throw in a Few ‘Power Songs’
You know those songs that make you feel like you could deadlift a small car? Those are your power songs. These are the tracks that should be strategically placed in your playlist for moments when clients need that extra push—think the final sprint, the last rep, or when they’re contemplating faking a cramp to get out of burpees.
4. Keep It Fresh
No one wants to hear the same playlist on repeat for weeks (unless it’s full of certified bangers). Switch it up regularly like you would your training program, so workouts stay fresh, fun, and unpredictable. Plus, discovering new music keeps things exciting for both you and your clients.
5. Use Streaming Playlists & Apps
If crafting the perfect playlist feels like too much effort (I get it, you’re busy making people sweat), streaming services have you covered. Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube all have pre-made workout playlists that you can tweak to fit your clients' needs.
Bonus: Some apps even adjust the music tempo to match the workout intensity and you can search for playlists based on the BPM you are looking for. Yep, technology is that cool.
Playlist Recommendations (Because I’ve Got Your Back)
Not sure where to start? Here are some foolproof tracks for different workout phases:
Warm-Up:
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"Can’t Stop the Feeling" – Justin Timberlake
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"Levitating" – Dua Lipa
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"Uptown Funk" – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Strength Training:
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"Stronger" – Kanye West
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"Eye of the Tiger" – Survivor
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"Lose Yourself" – Eminem
HIIT/Cardio:
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"Titanium" – David Guetta ft. Sia
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"We Will Rock You" – Queen
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"Till I Collapse" – Eminem
Cool-Down:
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"Gravity" – John Mayer
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"Budapest" – George Ezra
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"Perfect" – Ed Sheeran
Final Thoughts on Music and Working Out
Music isn’t just background noise—it’s a tool. As personal trainers, you can use it to create an atmosphere that gets clients hyped, keeps them engaged, and makes them forget that they’re working out (at least until the next-day soreness kicks in).
So, put those headphones on, start curating the perfect playlist, and watch how the right tunes can take a workout from ‘ugh’ to ‘let’s do this!’ And if all else fails, just make sure there are no sad, slow ballads mid-squat session. That’s just cruel.
Now, go forth and use the power of music to turn your clients into workout warriors!
If you're looking to start a career in personal training or want to complete any further programs then make sure to checkout our website for all the information you need to take on your next steps.