Want a simple way to stay motivated during your next workout? Check out these tips for crafting a killer playlist that will make even your longest run seem like a breeze.

WHY CREATE A WORKOUT PLAYLIST?

Motivation

There’s nothing like a little Beyonce or Eminem to get you pumped to lace up those tennis shoes.

Distraction

Not a fan of sweating it out on the track? Getting lost in the music is the perfect way to keep your mind occupied for the next few miles.

Energy

Research shows that listening to music while you work out not only makes your sweaty experience more enjoyable, but can also give you that much-needed boost when things get tough.

STUDIES SHOW THAT MOST PEOPLE CHOOSE MUSIC WITH A HIGHER TEMPO AND LISTEN TO GENRES LIKE HIP HOP, ROCK, AND POP WHEN THEY WORK OUT.

NOW GO MAKE ONE

Beats matter

Decide if you want to run/walk/lift to the beat during your workout and choose music accordingly. You can even have two playlists if you want something slower one day and more up-beat the next.

Choose wisely

Forego your favorite ballad in favor of the latest feel-good anthem. Choose songs that make you want to dance, and you’ll be more likely to enjoy working out with those melodies blasting in your earbuds.

Structure, structure, structure

Planning on hitting the treadmill for 30 minutes? Structure your playlist to reflect your workout plans, compiling similar songs for that half hour of jogging time and saving off-tempo tunes for transitions between activities.

MATCHING BEATS PER MINUTE TO HEART RATE

HEART RATE ZONES
(BASED ON THE AVERAGE 30-YEAR-OLD MALE OR FEMALE)

VERY LIGHT

(95–114)

The Greatest
Sia & Kendrick Lamar

LIGHT

(114–133)

This Is What You Came For
Calvin Harris & Rihanna

MODERATE

(133–152)

Fake Love
Drake

HARD

(152–171)

Can’t Tell Me Nothing
Kanye West

MAXIMUM

(171–190)

Jumpin’,  Jumpin’
Destiny’s Child