5 curated workout playlists we can’t stop listening to

Julia Webb

Updated August 3, 2020 at 3:15 PM·4 min read

Our team is dedicated to finding and telling you more about the products and deals we love. If you love them too and decide to purchase through the links below, we may receive a commission. Pricing and availability are subject to change.

While I played sports all throughout school and now try to work out three to four times a week, I don’t consider myself a fitness fanatic by any means. Honestly, I still struggle to find the motivation to work out, period. Pre-pandemic, a great fitness class or working out with a friend would usually do the trick in getting me going, but now I am figuring out how to work out on my own — and actually enjoy it.

The No. 1 thing I’ve found that gets me excited (and keeps me going) during my workouts is a great playlist. While that’s not revolutionary, I can’t understate just how much music can impact my exercise routine. In fact, according to the International Journal of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology, the “ergogenic effect of music is evident as it improves exercise performance by either delaying fatigue or increasing work capacity. This effect results in higher than expected levels of endurance, power, productivity or strength.”

While I’d been turning to playlists from friends and family when in need of new music recommendations, that changed after I’d come across Amazon Music Unlimited’s curated playlists.

Like Apple Music or Spotify, Music Unlimited is Amazon’s music streaming platform and gives users access to over 60 million songs. And while the service can recommend songs for you based on your listening habits, with your membership, you get music stations and expert-curated playlists, too.

Amazon Music Unlimited has hundreds of playlists and has unlimited skips, so finding the right list of songs for you is a breeze. From upbeat chart-toppers to mellow songs and throwbacks, there are plenty of playlists to try out, but below I’ve compiled the five I can’t stop listening to on repeat.

Fun Workout

“Fun Workout” is probably my most listened to workout playlist since it’s stacked with upbeat songs from a ton of my favorite pop artists. From Taylor Swift to Cardi B and Bruno Mars, these songs are so catchy they distract me just enough on long runs.

Yoga Flow

This playlist of over 100 songs is great if you’re looking for some chill music to flow or meditate to. Lifehack — I also listen to this playlist if I’m having trouble falling asleep at night. Since a majority of the songs don’t have any lyrics, and I find it incredibly soothing.

2000s Hip-Hop Workout

If you like throwbacks, this playlist is for you. With hits like “Cyclone,” “Get Low” and “Just Lose It” included, this compilation of songs is great for everything from lifting to cardio.

’80s Workout

But if the early 2000s aren’t enough of a throwback for you, this playlist of jams from the ’80s should do it. Workout to the likes of Whitney Houston, Blondie, Madonna and Bruce Springsteen with this 50 song playlist.

120 BPM Workout

While Music Unlimited has multiple BPM (or beats per minute) workout playlists, I gravitate towards the 120 option when I’m warming up. BPM playlists are awesome if you are looking to keep your heartbeat in a certain range since the list of provided songs help you to stay on track when you stick to the music’s tempo.

If you want to give these playlists a shot, you can try Amazon Music Unlimited right now for free when you take advantage of its free trial.

Shop: Amazon Music Unlimited, free 30-day trial ($9.99/month after)

After your 30 days are up, your membership will renew at $9.99 a month, but you can cancel your subscription at any time you like. Plus, Amazon has deals for Prime Students and options for families, so you can get the most bang for your buck.

Looking for great earbuds to workout with? Shop a few of our favorites below.