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This Workout Playlist Is Sure To Motivate You To Run That Extra Mile

Confidence Boost Engaged

By Derek EversPublished 3 years ago 6 min read
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This Workout Playlist Is Sure To Motivate You To Run That Extra Mile
Photo by Alexander Redl on Unsplash

For nearly ten years of my life, I've been a runner and I still love it - nothing can beat a runner's high! Most days are easy to get up and out the door, but sometimes a little added motivation is needed (I might be almost 25 years old but I'm far from responsible with my sleep). Music has always been that extra push to get a workout done and so many of my runs have been dedicated to listening to full albums of new music. But, I actually don't create playlists all that often.

Usually I'll pick an album that I want to listen all the way through or I'll jump between a couple albums. Sometimes I even listen to the same song on repeat for an hour... Okay, I'm a little strange.

Even though I have little experience with creating playlists, I thought I'd challenge myself to make the best one I could this week and share it with all of you!

Here are highlights from the playlist:

The type of music I listen to while running can vary pretty widely, but there are two things they all have in common: they've got that feel-good sound and they remind you you're a bad ass.

I Forgot That You Existed - Taylor Swift

Have you ever had a day where you were moving through life, feeling great and suddenly you're reminded of some past grievance? But it's different this time - you're completely unaffected. You don't have feelings of hate or love towards that person anymore; you're just indifferent. It's like boulders that were weighing you down are finally released, and now you're free to climb as high as you want. That's how this song make me feel. The steady, positive beat compliment the feel-good lyrics and motivate me to let go of whatever (or whoever) might have been holding me back.

I Like That - Janelle Monáe

Whether you're lifting weights, running, or just existing, there's always going to be days when you're a little off your game. Maybe you can't run as fast, lift as much, or even tell yourself "I love you" and you start to believe you don't deserve the things you're working towards - this song will combat those thoughts. "I Like That" exudes confidence with bold, flawless lyrics and sonics that gently caress your ears while kindly reminding you that you are the s***, even if others don't see it that way. This song keeps me feeling like the most courageous version of myself as I bolt through cities and neighborhoods.

I don't care what I look like but I feel good Better than amazing, and better than I could

Just Like Magic - Ariana Grande

"Just Like Magic" follows up "I Like That" on this playlist and continues the theme of self-assurance. If you're still having doubts or feeling self-conscious, then allow this song to show you the power of manifestation. Manifestation is the idea that whatever you focus your mind on is what you're going to attract into your life and though it may seem like magic, it's really about believing in your abilities to accomplish whatever you set your mind to do. It's perfect for my playlist because, on days that I'm too tired or sore and it seems easier to give up, Ariana's cheery lyrics remind me that anything is possible if you keep the right mindset.

High Horse - Kacey Musgraves

Maybe I'm the only one who experiences this but, do you ever have a voice in your head that tells you to give up? Sounds kind of odd but, some workouts, especially the really hard ones, have moments where I can hear someone telling me to quit and that I'll never measure up. This song is addressed to that voice in my head, ridding it's high horse, trying to convince me to stop and save myself from disappointment - you're not going to win. "High Horse" has divine timing on this playlist, reminding me to ignore the head voice and continue forging ahead through the rest of my workout. It's not a super fast paced song but I still want to kick butt listening to it.

'Cause everyone knows someone who kills the buzz Every time they open up they're mouth

Heart to Break - Kim Petras

Kim Petras is an amazing artist and you’ll find a few songs from her on this playlist. When I hear her voice, I immediately think back to reading about her coming up in the music industry and it’s really inspiring. Because she's transgender, most labels didn’t want to work with her, or they wanted to market her identity. Other labels weren’t ready to work with her, so she created her own and found sensationalism without profiting off her identity. Although this song and “I Don’t Want It At All” are both very invigorating during the hardest part of my workout, thinking about her journey to success is what’s really motivational.

DDU-DU DDU-DU - BLACKPINK

If you thought I wouldn't include K-pop music in a workout playlist, then you were dead wrong and if you're turned off by this song because you can't understand the lyrics, then I challenge you to open your mind a little. The high energy, in-your-face, pop sound makes me feel like I've got rockets attached to my feet and I'm flying around the track. I placed this song closer to the end so that I could get some extra juice as I wrap up my workout. And if you're still stuck on not understanding the lyrics, I'll link a Genius article here. Basically, they're singing to their haters, letting them know how savage they are and that they have no plans to change - pretty iconic if you ask me.

Oh wait till I do what I do Hit you with that ddu-du ddu-du du

Babylon - Lady Gaga

In my mind, this is the perfect last song for a workout playlist! The lyrics transport me to another world, one where I'm strutting across the cat walk in front of all the people who have ever talked down to me and showing them I am a force to be reckoned with. When I'm leaving a gym or finishing a run, I feel like I'm on that imaginary cat walk, looking fierce, and ready to rock the day. The song has a slight jazz and gospel inspired sound with a quick tempo which makes it a really fun and enjoyable way to finish your workout.

These are only 7 out of 18 songs on the actual playlist, so be sure to check out the whole thing for an hour of upbeat, groovy tunes (linked below).

For my first workout playlist, I think I did pretty good! How would you change it? Would you add or take off any songs?

Thanks for reading and I hope you have some inspiration for your next workout! Now I'm off to dance my heart out in my living room.

If you enjoyed what you read, please share, leave a like or a tip, and check out some of my other stories, poems, and articles. Thank you for your support, I truly appreciate it!

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About the Creator

Derek Evers

Hello! I'm Derek, a writer based in Portland, OR. Author of short stories, poetry, and blog posts about the things that interest me. Be kind to yourself and others, always.

IG: deverswriting

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