My Top Tunes
- My ultimate gym / running playlist
- * Why music has helped my training
Today’s blog takes a different tack. Since I’ve blogged a lot recently about nutrition and exercise I thought I would take a lighter tone.
The last few months have been hectic. I’ve run a blog of the day every day (in December), fitness video of the day (in January) besides a fitness tip and this coming month will be a “Fitness hack of the day” every day at 18.00 on the RYPT Facebook page. That’s a ton of free content and all you need to do is like the page for regular updates.
So, today’s blog takes a different tone (literally) with my taste in music in question.
To me, music and fitness are intricately linked. When I began fitness (by running) it was music and more specifically, listening to new types of music that give me a lot of inspiration to keep going. Ever since, when I go out running or even to the gym now, I always have my headphones on me.
Looking back, that is a lot of hours of music; some good, some bad and some indifferent.
So without further ado, here are the top 15 albums that are use when running or at the gym (in no specific order)…
1) Oasis: “What’s the story Morning Glory?”
Pretty much regardless of what mood I’m in, this is something one that isn’t too far away.
I seem to go through phases of listening to this a lot. There’s the obvious choices like Wonderwall and Roll with It but also, many of the lesser known tracks are worth a listen (especially Hey Now).
Ideal For: Cardio
Favourite Song: Acquiesce
2) Kasabian “Kasabian”
I listened to this album to death when it was first released and it’s full of bouncy, upbeat songs.
Many of the songs, again, are well known but the electronic undertone gives the songs a catchy edge.
Ideal for: a morning run when you’re struggling for inspiration.
Ideal For: Warm up
Favourite song: Reason Is Treason
3) Ash “Free All Angels”
I would prefer not to think about when this was released (as I bought it. on CD).
Not the longest album by any stretch but a mixture of highs and lows which. go well with working out.
Ideal For: Short bouts of cardio
Favourite Song: “Burn Baby Burn”
4) Bombskare “The Day the Earth Stood Stupid”
One of the best bands I’ve seen live and it really is 100 miles per hour.
Punchy ska music at it’s finest. Lyrics that mean something too (often humorous).
Ideal for: Getting you moving
Favourite Song: Crime of the Century
5) Bring Me the Horizon “Sempiternal”
First of the heavier albums: sometimes you need a bit of anger especially in the gym.
Toe tapping, headbanging all the way through. Some songs start slow but then build to a climax and leave you feeling ready for a challenge.
Ideal for: lifting weights
Favourite Song: Empire
6) Papa Roach “Infest”
Possibly my favourite album: every song encapsulates anger. New metal at it’s finest.
Surprisingly not many songs were released as singles.
Ideal For: Getting psyched for the gym
Favourite Song: Blood Brothers (also featured on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater on the PlayStation)
7) Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory
Another one that I have on CD. I loved every song on this album: the words, the music and the energy all combined.
It certainly was a golden age for music in my eyes! I could listen to this album all day.
Ideal For: when you’re struggling for energy
Favourite Song: One Step Closer
8) The Stone Roses: “The Stone Roses”
Slower tempo and great for when you need to zone out.
I didn’t really appreciate the Stone Roses until a few years ago but it crops up now and again on my playlists.
Ideal for: Sunday Morning running
Favourite Song: “Made of Stone”
9) Disturbed – “The Studio Album Collection”
I must admit that most of my choices have turned into heavy lifting music.
Heavy, loud and energetic are predominantly the characteristics of my gym songs.
The slow build ups and angst in all the lyrics are the perfect combination for getting ready for leg day!
Ideal For: Leg day
Favourite Song: Stupify
10) Stiff Little Fingers “Inflammable Material”
This list has features a surprising lack of punk given my musical tastes.
SLF are always good to getting pumped up
Dated but a classic album and features everything you need to find a bit of energy.
Ideal For: the last push of a workout
Favourite Song: Suspect Device
11) Cockney Rejects: East End to West End
Continuing the punk theme, Cockney Rejects will never win any awards for their music but I love the energy they provide. Throw in some football overtones and you’re onto a winner.
Non stop frantic and cockney oi punk it’s definitely a winner for me.
Ideal For: Blocking out all other noise!
Favourite Song: “Where the Hell is Babylon?”
12) Soil: “Scars”
Metal music certainly ticks a few boxes for me. Another album that has grown on me after I went through a phase of listening to it whilst working out.
High and lows on every song, progressively getting heavier – a sure winner.
Ideal For: Beginning to middle of training
Favourite Song: Unreal
13) The Cundeez: “Cundee Radio”
The album cover is a rip off of the Clash but I’ll let them off.
A band that I stumbled across by accident at the Scotland Calling music festival.
Dundee meets punk with humour thrown in too. It’s great that their music is on Spotify too.
Also hear their cover of One Step Beyond on the bagpipes.
Ideal For: When struggling on cardio
Favourite Song: Gangs O Dundee
14) Millburn “Well Well Well”
Bouncy indie music with catchy lyrics.
Excellent for all types of exercise and really gets me going.
Ideal For: Beginning a long run
Favourite Song: Brewster
15) Limp Bizkit: “3 Dollar Bill Y’all”
To be honest, any Limp Bizkit album would do: metal and rap together is a versatile mixture.
Strong instrumentals and a powerful chorus will always help with lifting weights.
Ideal For: Strength Training
Favourite Song: Counterfeit
I could keep on going and I’ve not even mentioned The Clash! That’s certainty a selection of the music I listen to. You can tell that I listen to hours upon hours of music through my training.
I certainly notice the endorphin rush and when it is combined with music, it feels even better. Ultimately, it was for made me want to go running even when I didn’t feel like it. That extra emotion was what drove me to running marathons and really making fitness a part of my life.
As I’ve mentioned before, if you can have that reward element to your fitness, you will be even more attached and get better results.
Remember, attention, intention and repetition will build a habit (having enjoyment along the way definitely speeds up the process.
What do you think of my musical choices? Let me know in the comments!
The RYPT fitness hack of the day begins today and will run throughout February. Don’t miss out, like RYPT on Facebook now.
Ross
