When it comes to smashing your workout, the right playlist can make all the difference. Whether you’re lifting, stretching, running, or just trying to get yourself moving, music has a way of inspiring you to say to “Let’s go!”

So, we’ve put together the Perfect Power Workout Playlist: a high‑energy blend of 80s icons, 90s bangers and 00s anthems.

Hit shuffle, turn it up, and let the good vibes do the heavy lifting.

Which Era of Music is Best For Workout Music?

80s: Big hooks, High Energy

The 80s were built for movement: bright synths, bold vocals, and choruses that practically demand a fist‑pump. Perfect for warming up or powering through cardio.

90s: Dancefloor Bops

From dance classics to girl‑power pop, the 90s deliver feel‑good rhythms that make even the toughest reps feel lighter.

00s: Feel-good Anthems

The 00s bring polished pop, uplifting beats, and songs you can’t help but sing along to, ideal for keeping your motivation high.

The Playlist:

1. Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Justin Timberlake (2016)

A burst of pure sunshine that lifts your mood instantly. This tune is perfect for kicking off your workout with feel good momentum.

Fact: Written for the film Trolls, it debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

2. Footloose – Kenny Loggins (1984)

An 80s classic that demands movement, ideal for shaking off the day and finding light-hearted energy.

Fact: The song was written for the cult film ‘Footloose’.

3. Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa (2019)

A sleek, modern disco beat that keeps your pace steady and your confidence high. Inspired by the Bee-Gees and Daft Punk, this one was made to move to.

Fact: The track started Dua Lipa’s new disco-inspired reinvention!

4. Gonna Make You Sweat – C+C Music Factory (1990)

A 90s essential hit that does exactly what it promises: gets you moving with big workout hype.

Fact: C+C also produced the dance banger ‘Things That Make You Go Hmmm’.

5. Firework – Katy Perry (2010)

An empowering pop anthem that helps you push through tough reps with uplifting motivation.

Fact: The song earned Katy Perry multiple Grammy nominations.

6. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor (1982)

A rock anthem with a fierce, steady beat that fuels determination, making it perfect for pushing through and finishing with strong energy.

Fact: Written for the film Rocky III, the hit spent six weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.

7. Feel So Close – Calvin Harris (2011)

A steady, euphoric beat that’s perfect for hitting your stride and staying in smooth workout rhythm.

Fact: ‘Feel So Close’ was one of Calvin Harris’s first major hits where he provided his own vocals.

8. Wannabe – Spice Girls (1996)

A fun, burst of 90s pop that adds a playful kick of girl power.

Fact: ‘Wannabe’ introduced the world to “Girl Power” and hit No. 1 in 37 countries.

9. Wake Me Up – Avicii (2013)

A blend of acoustic warmth and power beats that keeps you moving.

Fact: The guitar on this track was played by Incubus’s Mike Einziger

10. Walking on Sunshine – Katrina & The Waves (1985)

A timeless mood booster that turns any workout into a sunny, feel good session.

Fact: English band ‘Katrina & The Waves’ video for this tune features them strolling by Tower Bridge in London.

11. Blinding Lights – The Weeknd (2019)

Retro synths and a fast tempo make this perfect for cardio bursts and steady high energy pacing.

Fact: It became one of the most streamed and longest-charting songs in history.

12. Believe – Cher (1998)

A dance pop classic with iconic vocals that brings a wave of empowering nostalgia.

Fact: Cher burst back onto the scene and popularised Auto-Tune as a stylistic vocal effect.

13. Good as Hell – Lizzo (2016)

A confidence boosting anthem that adds a dose of body positivity to your workout.

Fact: The song became a major hit years after release thanks to social media viral exposure.

14. Rhythm Is a Dancer – SNAP! (1992)

A 90s Eurodance staple that keeps your feet moving with infectious club style energy.

Fact: This was the biggest selling single of 1992 in the UK with 582,700 copies sold.

15. A Sky Full of Stars – Coldplay (2014)

A bright, uplifting track that works beautifully for mid workout flow and feel good momentum.

Fact: This track was Co-produced by Avicii, blending dance music energy with Coldplay’s emotional style.

16. Hey Ya! – Outkast (2003)

A quirky, upbeat favourite that injects fun into your routine with playful, fast paced energy.

Fact: André 3000, half of Outkast, played almost every instrument on this song himself!

17. Stronger – Kelly Clarkson (2011)

A powerhouse anthem that helps you push through the burn with bold, motivational punch.

Fact: Kelly Clarkson first came to our screens in 2002 as the first winner of talent show American Idol!

18. Viva La Vida – Coldplay (2008)

A sweeping, rhythmic track that’s great for steady movement and uplifting workout flow.

Fact: “Viva la Vida” is actually Spanish for “Long Live Life”.

19. Hips Don’t Lie – Shakira (2006)

A lively, Latin inspired beat that brings a burst of dance driven energy to your session.

Fact: It became one of the best-selling singles of the 2000s.

20. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey (1981)

The ultimate feel good classic to finish strong with timeless, uplifting spirit.

Fact: ‘Don’t Stop Believin’ gained renewed popularity decades after its release when it was used on TV show ‘The Sopranos’.

Ready to work out with a smile?

Whether you’re powering through a workout or cruising to your favourite tracks, it feels good to know you’re covered. Keep the good vibes going with car insurance that hits all the right notes.

Loving the throwbacks? Check out our 90’s Throwback Road Trip Playlist full of nostalgic singalong driving tunes.

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