We can all break the monotony of daily workouts by adding some vibrant hip-hop music to the mix. Without a doubt, music is the quickest way to shake things up and help couch potatoes spring into exercise action. We’ve found 25 of the best hip-hop workout songs to help spice up your gym routine. See if your picks match ours.
15. M.O.P. - "Ante Up (Robbin Hoodz Theory)"
This is an aggressive street anthem that will make you want to get to the nearest punching bag and go wild.
14. LL Cool J - "Mama Said Knock You Out"
© Def Jam Records
A lot of guys probably saw a muscular L.L. at the punching bag and decided they were long overdue in starting their own exercise programs. It was also the proverbial walk-to-the-ring song for professional boxers in the '90s.
13. A Tribe Called Quest - "Scenario"
Tribe was usually known for super mellow jazzed-out tunes. This is no exception to their smoothness, but speed up the beat, add Busta Rhymes and you’ve got a real kick-ass workout track.
12. Trick Daddy - "Take It to Da House"
© Slip-N-Slide Records
The video features Trick Daddy and Trina at a high school pep rally. The happy sample from K.C. and the Sunshine Band's "Boogie Shoes" makes for upbeat fun.
11. DJ UNK - "Walk It Out"
© Koch
Big dance songs inevitably make for some of the best workout music. "Walk It Out" is no exception, especially the remix. As soon as you hear Andre 3000 say "I walk it out like an usher…" It's on!
10. House of Pain - "Jump Around"
Can you really remember any other songs by this group anyway? This is arguably one of the hypest workout songs ever.
9. Daddy Yankee - "Gasolina"
Even if you don’t speak a word of Spanish, you’re going to get pumped up when the beat drops.
8. Soulja Boy - "Crank That"
Yes, the most ubiquitous song of the past year definitely makes the list. In fact, I was working out at my fitness club when one of the employees and a club patron broke out into the "Crank That" dance in the middle of the floor. For just a second, I was tempted to jump off the treadmill and join them.
7. Eminem - "Lose Yourself"
© Shady Records
"Lose Yourself" has the double advantage of being both inspirational and instructional. Em instructs you to "lose yourself in the moment," while the beat motivates you to move your feet. Whether you're gearing up for warm-up or cool-down, the mid-tempo pace will definitely get your body moving.
6. Crime Mob - "Knuck If You Buck"
You're bound to move with the hard-edged crunk that's all about a good fight here.
