How to Build a Workout Playlist you Actually Like

We’ve all been there. You’re at the gym, a good pace in your run, ready to beat a PR, and a slow song randomly plays. Your adrenaline crashes, and you have to skip the song to try to get back in the groove. The truth is, your liked songs on Spotify aren't a playlist, but a distraction from reaching your best! It can honestly be science when you start thinking about the beats and songs that match your workout split. Here’s how to build a workout playlist you actually like and will last you forever!

Start With your Workout Type

Not all workouts can work with the same music. A heavy lift session requires a completely different mindset than a sunrise jog. To build a good playlist, you have to create one that fits what you’re doing and matches the movement. If the music doesn’t fit, your body will know.

• For the explosive days, you need music that acts like a rhythm for your power. Look for tracks with a heavy beat, possibly something with drums, to keep you going and make you feel strong enough to move mountains.

• For endurance workouts, focus on the beats per minute (BPM). Pick songs that match your pace. If the music is too slow, you might lose energy. If it’s too fast, you could get tired too quickly.

• On recovery days, choose music that helps you relax and slow your heart rate. Pick songs that feel calm and give you space to breathe.

Organizing your library by leg day, cardio, and upper body gives you a framework. Once you know what you need, you can start adding in the vibe and tracks that fit.

Pick a Theme

Once your music matches your workout, pick the overall vibe for your playlist. This helps you avoid stopping mid-workout to skip songs. Even if two songs have the same speed, a country song and a heavy metal track can feel out of place together.

• The Nostalgia Trip: Sometimes the best fuel is the classics. I think of nostalgia as songs from One Direction, Justin Bieber, and old Taylor Swift. Songs you loved growing up and still do. You don’t have to think about the music, you just know it.

• Main Character Energy: For the days that are all about you. It’s your it-girl songs, breakup and revenge anthems, and the rap that makes you feel like a boss.

• Sunshine Anthem: It’s the tracks that play while you’re sitting at the pool or on a road trip. The fun and upbeat songs that make the world a little bit brighter. I think of artists like Olivia Dean and Role Model.

You’re creating a flow state when you pick a playlist so good that you never want to stop listening to it. It is the recipe for success.

Mixing it Up

A great playlist mixes songs you know with new ones. Start with your favorites, then add two or three new tracks each week. This way, you keep things fresh without losing focus during your workout. A good split is an 80/20 rule.

• 80% songs you already know: these are your safe songs that you know will get you moving every time you listen. They should take up the bulk of your playlist to keep your momentum going.

• 20% new songs: New music can provide a “dopamine hit” that gives you a burst of energy when you start to get tired. Think of your familiar songs as your rhythm and the new ones as adrenaline. By adding in something new, it gives your mind a reset to finish strong.

In the end, the best playlist is the one that helps you forget the effort and perform your best. It’s not just about mixing your favorite songs, but about choosing the right tracks to match your workout.

Be Well, Auburn.