The 50 Best Workout Songs of 2012

By Jessica Smith
December 17, 2012
Did your favorite track make the list?
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PSY: Gangnam Style

Love it or hate it, this super catchy YouTube sensation 'ear wormed' its way into our hearts (and our playlists) this year, and we still love going "Gangnam style" at the gym.

Download it now:

PSY - Gangnam Style – 134 BPM

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Carly Rae Jepsen: Call Me Maybe

You might be sick of it by now, but after singing along to this single during countless summer sweat sessions, it will always hold a special place on our workout playlist.

Download it now:

Carly Rae Jepsen – Call Me Maybe – 120 BPM

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Rihanna: We Found Love (Cahill Club Remix)

With its pumping rhythm and inspiring lyrics, this remix of Rihanna's chart-topping single was a shoe-in for the top five.

Download it now:

Rihanna - We Found Love (Cahill Club Remix) - 128 BPM

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Usher: Scream

Another one of our absolute favorite songs of 2012, we could Zumba to this dance track all day long!

Download it now:

Usher - Scream - 129 BPM

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Avicii: Levels

It's almost impossible not to move when this song comes on! (Seriously. Turn it up and try to sit still.)

Download it now:

Avicii - Levels - 126 BPM

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Dragonette: Let it Go

This 80s throwback is still king when it comes to powering through a long run or cycling workout.

Download it now:

Dragonette – Let It Go – 131 BPM

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The Ready Set: Give Me Your Hand

This cheerful track had us pedaling, running, and bouncing to the beat (best song ever for jumping rope!) without watching the clock.

Download it now:

The Ready Set – Give Me Your Hand – 125 BPM

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Icona Pop and Charlie XCX: I Love It

This song from the Swedish duo Icona Pop is a little like Abba, The Bangles, and Ace of Base all rolled into one—which makes for one amazing cardio anthem!

Download it now:

Icona Pop & Charli XCX - I Love It – 126 BPM

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Katy Perry: Part of Me

Katy Perry's singles are a playlist mainstay, but this girl-power song inspired us to take it to the next level in the gym this year.

Download it now:

Katy Perry – Part of Me – 128 BPM

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Nicki Minaj: Starships

Quite possibly one of the best workout songs of all time. Need we say more?

Download it now:

Nicki Minaj – Starships – 123 BPM

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Lady GaGa: Marry the Night

If the driving dance beat doesn't do it for you, just imagine Lady GaGa showing of her killer body on stage for a powerful hit of fitspiration!

Download it now:

Lady GaGa – Marry The Night – 132 BPM

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Flo Rida & Sia: Wild Ones

Almost every Flo Rida track makes us want to move, but this collaboration with Sia is absolutely perfect for running and high-intensity cardio sessions.

Download it now:

Flo Rida & Sia – Wild Ones – 129 BPM

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The Wanted: Glad You Came

Tempted to skip the gym? Make this the first song on your playlist. It sounds cheesy, but once you're there, we promise you'll be glad you came.

Download it now:

The Wanted – Glad You Came – 127 BPM

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Chris Brown: Turn Up the Music

We happily turned up the music during many gym sessions this year.

Download it now:

Chris Brown – Turn Up The Music – 131 BPM

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Bruno Mars: Locked Out of Heaven

The only thing more inspiring than a great workout song? Seeing it performed live during the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show. Miss it? Check it out now, and file away the link for future fitspiration!

Download it now:

Bruno Mars - Locked Out of Heaven - 146 BPM

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Breathe Carolina: Blackout

Put a little dub-step into your sweat session with the high-energy beat of "Blackout."

Download it now:

Breathe Carolina - Blackout (Wideboys Remix) - 128 BPM

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Pink: Blow Me (One Last Kiss)

The perfect song for when things just aren't going your way, this commanding and catchy single totally helped us work out our frustrations at the gym.

Download it now:

Pink – Blow Me (One Last Kiss) – 113 BPM

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Adele: Set Fire to the Rain

When it comes to pushing through your workout, Adele's amazing vocals work like magic.

Download it now:

Adele - Set Fire to the Rain - 109 BPM

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Ne-Yo: Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself)

There's nowhere this song is better suited than inside the gym (maybe a dance party, but people are sweating there too!).

Download it now:

Ne-Yo – Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself) – 125 BPM

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Ellie Goulding: Anything Could Happen

We loved Ellie Goulding's "Lights," and her latest single is even better!

Download it now:

Ellie Goulding – Anything Could Happen – 130 BPM

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Cobra Starship & Sabi: You Make Me Feel (Felix Leiter Remix)

Why does this song make us feel so good? It has catchy lyrics (that we can remember) and a driving rhythm (perfect for matching our stride)—the recipe for an awesome workout song.

Download it now:

Cobra Starship & Sabi - You Make Me Feel... (Felix Leiter Remix) - 127 BPM

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Green Day: Nuclear Family

It was great to welcome Green Day back to our workout playlist, and "Nuclear Family" is the perfect punk-rock hit for high-intensity workouts.

Download it now:

Green Day – Nuclear Family

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Santigold: Disparate Youth

You may never learn the exact lyrics, but the the keyboard and guitar combo of this catchy tune are enough to keep you going strong.

Download it now:

Santigold – Disparate Youth – 152 BPM

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Linkin Park: Burn It Down

Nothing helps you pump out one last rep quite like a hardcore rock song.

Download it now:

Linkin Park – Burn It Down – 111 BPM

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Jennifer Lopez and PitBull: Dance Again

It's official: J Lo and Pitbull are a match made in dance-single heaven.

Download it now:

Jennifer Lopez & Pitbull - Dance Again - 128 BPM

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Swedish House Mafia and John Martin: Don't You Worry Child (Radio Edit)

Almost every Swedish House Mafia track turns into workout song gold, and this one is no exception.

Download it now:

Swedish House Mafia & John Martin – Don't You Worry Child (Radio Edit) – 128 BPM

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Fun.: Some Nights

The fast and slow tempo of this folk and indie pop fusion is perfect for interval training.

Download it now:

Fun. – Some Nights – 110 BPM

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Muse: Madness

The progressive, pulsating beat of "Madness" sort of sneaks up on you (kind of like that epic hill in spin class), but the catchy lyrics and lead singer Matthew Bellamy's vocals will help take your mind off the muscle burn.

Download it now:

Muse – Madness – 90 BPM

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Nero: Promises

A little too aggressive for some slower strength workouts, this synth track is best for days you really want to push your limits in the gym.

Download it now:

Nero - Promises - 144 BPM

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One Direction: One Thing

We couldn't make it through 2012 without working out to at least one One Direction song. With its upbeat chorus and boy band charm, this one really fit the bill.

Download it now:

One Direction - One Thing - 127 BPM

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Steve Aoki & Rivers Cuomo: Earthquakey People

I'll still keep on dancing to this tune long after this year is over.

Download it now:

Steve Aoki & Rivers Cuomo - Earthquakey People - 128 BPM

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Pitbull: Back In Time

Movie soundtracks are an often-overlooked gold mine for amped-up workout songs. Case in point: Pitbull's retro remix from Men in Black.

Download it now:

Pitbull – Back In Time – 126 BPM

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Ke$ha: Die Young

This song has the magic formula to make your workout fly by—extremely catchy lyrics, a good beat, and a great chorus.

Download it now:

Ke$ha - Die Young - 128 BPM

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