Accessibility links
Sweatin' To NPR: Workout Music Looking for some tunes to get you through your hill climb? We've got lists of everything from rock to jazz to house music to keep you moving.
Rocky
Special Series

Sweatin' To NPR: Workout Music

We've got lists of everything from rock to jazz to house music to keep you moving.
Sweatin' In Spandex: A 1980s Workout Mix

Salt N Pepa's "Push It" is a classic jam in its own right, but it also holds particular relevance to 1980s fitness. Michael Ochs Archives/Stringer/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Michael Ochs Archives/Stringer/Getty Images

Sweatin' In Spandex: A 1980s Workout Mix

While many elements contribute to the quintessential '80s workout, "spectacle" easily qualifies as the most important trait. Just as a tree falling in the forest doesn't make a sound if no one is there to listen, so too will your muscles not flex properly if no one is there to watch. To that end, try out this mix of '80s classics to ensure that your workout is as gawky as can be.

Hit The Floor: A B-Boy/Girl Workout Mix

B-boys pose. Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Hit The Floor: A B-Boy/Girl Workout Mix

You don't have to know how to do a head spin to get a good workout from B-boying. (Just don't call it breakdancing.) Arguably the most famous form of American street dance, B-boying incorporates explosive but fluid steps marked by swinging arms, cross-stepping feet and floor moves that contort the body in seemingly impossible positions.

The Guitar Hero's Workout: Shred The Pounds Away

Angus Young of AC/DC knows how to work up a sweat while playing. His endless energy, enthusiasm and affinity for shorts make him the Richard Simmons of the Guitar Hero workout. Getty Images hide caption

toggle caption
Getty Images

The Guitar Hero's Workout: Shred The Pounds Away

We studied the performances of rock's guitar legends and compiled the best moves to build both your muscles and your godlike mystique. Keep a bottle of Jack on hand for hydration, drape some old silk scarves around a microphone stand to dab your sweaty brow, and move like you've seen a million faces and rocked them all.

The Classical Strongman's Guide To Awesome Abs

Hercules had perfect abs. For that reason and a few others, this statue of him stands in Florence, Italy. iStock hide caption

toggle caption
iStock

The Classical Strongman's Guide To Awesome Abs

Not as macho as Mahler, nor limber as Ligeti? You'll see results almost immediately after listening to these five exercise essentials from the wild world of classical music. The sounds of iron pumping and breathless beats from the barrel organ are just what you need to inspire your personal best. Manly, yes, but women will love it, too.

Bumpin' Beats For Pumpin' Iron

Arnold loves house* *(citation needed) hide caption

toggle caption

Bumpin' Beats For Pumpin' Iron

Lifting weights necessitates a house-music soundtrack, with a relentless bass kick that beats any inkling of trepidation into submission. Whether you're pumping your fist or triple-stacked barbells, you need the positive reinforcement so often found in the vocals of these tissue-tearing bangers. And, of course, you need 'roid-rattling beats to inflate your sense of self-worth.

Tittsworth- "Molly Clean Edit"

Audio for this story is unavailable.
Browse archive or search npr.org