Earbuds with the music on full blast are a necessary part of a workout for many people. Whether you are lifting heavy weights, running on the treadmill or working on your flexibility and core muscles, chances are you will want to listen to something that inspires and / or relieves boredom.
It is, of course, a very personal thing, and it is likely that a large number of gym goers may choose EDM, hiphop or upbeat pop music to maintain their energy levels.
However, fans of alternative rock may see things rather differently. It is, of course, a genre synonymous with guitar-based music, and many of the songs are up-tempo. But not every alternative rock song is a perfect workout companion. Here are 10 that we think work well in the gym, written in chronological order.
10) Debaser by The Pixies (1989)
The Madchester sound was emerging at the end of the 1980s, but it was music that was better suited for dancing than for working out. American band The Pixies were one of the most influential pre-grunge bands at the turn of the same decade and songs like ‘Debaser’ were the reason why.
When you just want to work out to a somewhat angry but melodic guitar tune, this song is what you need. It is slightly deranged, in a good way, as the wall of guitar noise is complemented by Black Francis’ screeching vocals.
You probably don’t want to reflect too much on the highbrow lyrics when you’re working up a sweat, but this song will add fuel to the tank.
9) Cannonball by The Breeders (1993)
The Grunge sound was often too melancholic to be compatible with gym energy. However, The Breeders emerged at the height of the Grunge period, with a fresh and energetic hit that was the perfect combination of rock and pop.
Kim Deal was the band’s leader after serving several years with The Pixies and she really hit the heights on vocals and lead guitar in the band’s first single release. The memorable bubble of the bassline creates the foundation for a riot of guitar driven energy, topped off by a rousing refrain of, bizarrely, “Want you cuckoo cannonball”, followed by a choppy guitar riff.
It’s just as good for dancing as it is for exercising and it definitely wouldn’t slow anyone down.
8) Newborn by Muse (2001)
Muse might divide opinion due to their bombastic and sometimes operatic sound. But the raw energy in some of their songs can act as the perfect boost when you’re looking for a tune to get you through a gruelling gym sequence.
You might want to fast forward through the first minute of the song’s twinkly piano intro, but once that’s done, you hit the good stuff. Spiralling guitar riffs, urgent bass and crashing drums bring the song to life and from then on, it’s all pure adrenaline.
This would certainly help carry you through the final stages of a long run on the treadmill.
7) Take Me Out by Franz Ferdinand (2004)
Franz Ferdinand singer Alex Kapranos famously said that the band made "music for girls to dance to." ‘Take Me Out’ could just as easily be described as a song for anyone to work out to. Once you get past the extended intro, the song really hits its stride as a memorable guitar riff kicks in.
The song has the guitar energy of alternative rock and a funky bassline that lends itself to getting on the dancefloor at a club. But it could just as easily be the soundtrack to someone doing press ups, sit ups or squats.
‘Take Me Out’ was a UK No.3 hit and even broke into the US Billboard’s Hot 100. More than twenty years since it was first released, it sounds as fresh as ever.
6) Mr Brightside by The Killers (2004)
‘Mr Brightside’ is a song that has taken on a life of its own since it became a UK Top 10 hit in 2004. It is a staple of wedding celebrations, a karaoke favourite and it has featured in several TV shows and films, including ‘The Holiday’.
It might no longer be everyone’s cup of tea given the over exposure it has had. But it has all the elements required of an upbeat gym track to keep energy levels high.
After a relatively slow build-up, it crescendos with the kind of anthemic chorus that is perfect singalong material. Some call it alternative rock, some call it power pop. Whatever you call it, it has all the attributes required to keep a gym rat on their toes.
5) Brianstorm by The Arctic Monkeys (2007)
This one is no slow burner. It grabs you immediately with scratchy guitar, pounding drums and a pulsing bassline. It then has a jerky, sometimes funky quality that drives the song forward and would certainly make a runner lift their pace.
If you were on the rowing machine, listening to this tune would push you harder and it would add a few extra squat thrusts to anyone’s total.
The Arctic Monkeys have a rich back catalogue to choose from, but this relentless rock energy helps it stand out as one for a workout. Reaching No.2 in the UK charts tells you what the general public thought of it.
4) Default by Django Django (2012)
This song is one that grabs your attention from the very beginning. It starts with electro effects, strumming guitar, and some slightly distorted vocals. About 20 seconds in, a drum flourish introduces the song’s killer guitar riff.
A danceable drumbeat comes in and the vocals harmonise and create a memorable and somewhat unique sound. Strangely, this was by no means the band’s biggest hit. It would not even break into the UK’s Top 40.
Bigger success would follow, but this one seems best suited to those who need a good beat to keep them moving.
3) Never Fight a Man with a Perm by Idles (2018)
A lot of people love this song for its eye-catching and violent animated video, but the song is the real star. The Guardian’s review of the album that spawned this song describes the band’s music as “focused, cathartic rage”, which is exactly what we need in the gym at times.
Regular gym goers know that exercise is the perfect way to blow off some steam after a tough day at the office and this song can really align with your feelings when you just want to shout at someone.
Songs like this channel your energy into something more positive and the therapeutic catharsis of the chant, ‘Concrete to Leather’ will energise the body and heal the mind. A modern classic that is perfect for working out when stressed.
2) One More Day Won’t Hurt by Soft Play (formerly Slaves) (2019)
This one falls into the same angry, cathartic rock category as the previous song. The lyrics are a savage attack on toxic masculinity, leading up to the line, ‘Don't’ tell me when I’ve had enough, Look at me, I’m so big and tough’.
Vocalist and drummer Isaac Holman screams and snarls in equal measure, while Laurie Vincent’s crunching guitar drives the song’s angry tone.
For those who want emotional release in their gym time, this is another perfect song to let it all out to. The dark lyrics may not be for those doing yoga or stretching, but it is a great complement to some serious cardio.
1) Starburster by Fontaines D.C. (2024)
NME’s described this banger as “a pensive art-rock beast that fuses elements of electronica and hip-hop”. Rolling Stone magazine described it as a ‘funky disco-rock track’.
Whatever words you want to use, one thing is certain - the song is perfectly suited to a range of gym workouts. It is urgent without being angry. It is upbeat but not loaded with unhinged energy. And there are even a few lulls that might be beneficial for those who need a moment to get their breath back.
Whatever workout you are doing, when this comes through your earbuds, you are going to start nodding your head in sync with the rhythm and you are going to get closer to those targets you have set yourself.
