Pull out the weights with these hits

Photo: Taelar Pollmann • The Sentry
Best songs to get the blood pumping.

Best songs to work out to

When hitting the gym, it can be hard to go without headphones. Working out to music blocks out all the distractions in order to maintain focus when grinding out the pain with every lift of those 10lb dumbbells. Most people get the blood pumping and the juices flowing to whatever they please. Yet, there are a couple of songs that everyone should have queued up on their “Beast Mode Workout” playlist.

When doing squats, calf raises, or hitting the jump ropes at sonic speed like Corbin Bleu in Jump In! Britney Spears’ “Work Bitch” has to be ready on deck. Not only is it Britney’s motivational beginning lyrics: “You want a hot body? / You want a Bugatti? / You want a Maserati? / You better work bitch” that gets the mood going, but the eccentric mash-up of hip hop and EDM is what gets the head nodding and the heart racing with energy. Nonetheless, the chorus is ecstatic, flowing with encouraging lyrics such as, “Don’t stop now…just be the champion.” When Britney yells “Work Bitch!” it means don’t stop, keep on doing those squats, Karen.

In a more aggressive “push the limits” sort of way, Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” is next on the playlist. When someone wants to start off slow on the bench press and then climax their way up to the top, “Sicko Mode” is a vibrant song that begins with a mellow tone featuring lyrics by Drake that transitions into a wave of psychedelic, distorted beats and pitches that creates a comfortable and focused atmosphere when dedicated to make gains.

Say someone just wants to relax and not exhaust themselves when lifting weights, doing squats, or bench presses. Low-effort activities like the leg press or leisurely walking at a steady 0.3 mph on the treadmill, to create a subtle and steady environment, “Stronger” by Kanye West and Daft Punk is next on the list. Not as enthusiastic and exceedingly fast paced like “Work Bitch” and “Sicko Mode,” “Stronger” is for a more relaxed state of mind when working out. It’s not a songfor a heavy-set load of working out, but rather just to let loose and feel good.

Lastly, as an honorable mention, to get back in that hip hop mood, throwing it back to the early 2000s is Missy Elliot’s “Work It.” Not as subtle or extreme as the songs mentioned above, but “Work It” is a classic throwback that can be lip synced and listened to as motivation when it comes to sweating the stress away in the gym. With steady bass and an addicting tempo, it’s one that can’t be resisted.

Everyone has their own way of maintaining focus and determination when working out. The songs listed above however, are just a few that should be considered as motivation to make someone push themselves in the gym to get their grind on.