Whether you are a seasoned runner or hitting the treadmill for the first time, a well crafted playlist can make all the difference in your workout. The right song can distract me from feeling tired, pick up my pace and mood, and carry me when I think my legs won’t anymore. Here at PMB, we’ve been chatting a lot about our favorite jams to run to, and the apps we use to listen to them.
Apps
Some of the apps we use are Spotify, iTunes/Apple Music, Amazon Prime Music, Pandora, and YouTube Music. There are SO many options. But first, let’s consider what features do you need in an app to help you take your running to the next level?
The ability to create custom playlists is a must – and something that all of the most well known services provide. Offline listening is a feature that I wasn’t looking for when I chose a service – but it’s been so helpful at my gym, where cell service is awful. Most services offer curated playlists based on your previous selections, and I have found some of my new favorite songs through these suggestions.
Another feature that our team loves is being able to match your music with your pace. PaceDJ and RockMyRun are just a few of the apps that do this – and they work by calculating your beats per minute and then offering playlists, or scanning your own music library for music that will match to your desired pace.
With so many of these apps sharing features, it’s hard to say which ones are best – it really depends on your own preferences. Most offer free versions in addition to paid subscriptions, and I recommend downloading a few and playing with them. Check them out and find out which are easiest for you to use while you’re sweating and trying not to fall off your treadmill.
Music
My playlist, with few exceptions, changes pretty frequently. Does Pop keep you motivated and dancing through your run? Or are you headbanging while pounding the pavement? Here is a small sampling of some of our favorites, and hopefully there is a gem or two here for everyone. Whatever you listen to, and however you listen to it, just get out there and run!
“Are We All We Are” – P!NK
P!NK (who also happens to be a super strong Momma!) has so many great songs to choose from – I don’t think there has ever been a time she hasn’t been on my playlist. Check our “Are We All We Are”, it’s one of my favorites:
“Sugar, We’re Going Down” – Fall Out Boy
This was another really popular artist for us, that wasn’t narrowed down to just one song, but this one is too great not to mention by name.
“Stronger” – Kanye West
This song came up several times in our group – and it’s one of my all time favorites. I would drag myself through mud to this song – it might be my running secret weapon.
“Too Close” – Alex Clare
“Club Can’t Handle Me” – Flo Rida
“Lose Yourself” – Eminem
“Dancing On My Own” – Robyn
“Geronimo” – Sheppard
“Go Do” – Jonsi
“Bounce” – Manafest
“Hail to the King” – Avenged Sevenfold
“Chattanooga Lucy” – Eric Church
“Hall of Fame” – The Script
“Miss Jackson” – Panic! At the Disco
“Shake It Off” – Taylor Swift
“Dog Days Are Over” – Florence and the machine
“Killing In The Name”- Rage Against the Machine
“Monkey Wrench”- Foo Fighters
“Thunder” – Imagine Dragons
“Headstrong” – Trapt
“Remember the Name” – Fort Minor
“Castle on the Hill” – Ed Sheeran
“New York, New York” – Ryan Adams
“Callin’ Baton Rouge” – Garth Brooks
“I Run for Life” – Melissa Etheridge
Thanks for checking out some of our favorite jams. What are yours? Share with us in the comments!
