If you’re a woman who is putting in the time to become stronger and more powerful when you hit the gym, then your playlist should match. Delete the anti-woman rap songs from your iPod and swap them with these mood-boosting tracks. You can run, kickbox, pedal, or lift to all the songs below, which are not only upbeat, they’re empowering.
Take a listen to the Spotify playlist below, and read on to see our song selections.
Run the World (Girls), Beyonce
Queen B wrote the feminist anthem of all anthems: “Who run the world? Girls.”
Fight Song, Rachel Platten
Because sometimes you need a reminder of your own strength to power through another set of squats: “My power’s turned on, Starting right now I’ll be strong”
Girl on Fire, Alicia Keys
It doesn’t matter if the person on the treadmill beside you is going slightly faster because you are a champion, lady. “You can try but you’ll never forget her name. She’s on top of the world.”
Really Don’t Care, Demi Lovato
We don’t advise responding to rude catcalls while you’re running, but Demi can sing your feelings for you: “Now if we meet out on the street I won’t be running scared, I’ll walk right up to you and put one finger in the air.”
BO$$, Fifth Harmony
A new pair of workout tights and a tank is the ultimate mood-booster: “C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-T. That’s me, I’m confident.”
Single Ladies, Beyonce
Reminder: you’re allowed to use the weight room, ladies. “I need no permission, did I mention.”
I Hate Boys, Christina Aguilera
We don’t encourage hating boys, but if one just broke your heart, Christina’s got your back: “I think they suck and my friends agree.”
Dear Future Husband, Meghan Trainor
Meghan sings the words every woman has said to herself at least once: “Even if I was wrong, [Laugh] You know I’m never wrong.”
Confident, Demi Lovato
Go ahead and strut across the gym floor: “What’s wrong with being confident?”
Bulletproof, La Roux
With every painful lunge, you are getting stronger. “This time baby, I’ll be bulletproof.”
Love Myself, Hailee Steinfeld
So what if you’ve got a few post-holiday pounds to work off? “Gonna love myself, no, I don’t need anybody else.”
Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You), Kelly Clarkson
Even if your intense workout means you won’t be able to walk tomorrow, just remember: “What doesn’t kill you makes a fighter.”
Born This Way, Lady Gaga
The real reason you should workout is to show love to yourself: “Just love yourself and you’re set.”
Elastic Heart, Sia
You are tough, like long-run-in-the-snow tough. “Well I’ve got thick skin and an elastic heart.”
Problem, Ariana Grande
Resolve to say au revoir to the unnecessary pounds (and people) in your life: “I got one less problem without ya.”
Blow Me One Last Kiss, P!nk
Even after a really good workout, there comes a time to just walk away: “I think I’ve had enough of this.”
Caroline Cunningham joined Washingtonian in 2014 after moving to the DC area from Cincinnati, where she interned and freelanced for Cincinnati Magazine and worked in content marketing. She currently resides in College Park.
