The Best Classic Rock Workout Songs
The best classic rock workout songs can get your heart pumping and make you want to go even a little bit longer in the gym. – Author: Anne Erickson, Photo via Ken Settle
Working out isn’t always fun for everyone. In fact, a lot of people just don’t like working out at all. But, good music can make a positive difference in your workout routine. The best classic rock workout songs can get your heart pumping and make you want to go even a little bit longer in the gym. Whether you’re starting to get in shape to look your best or just want to get healthier, here are some of the best classic rock workout songs to pump that iron.
Classic Rock Workout Songs
AC/DC, “You Shook Me All Night Long”
Now, AC’DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long” isn’t the fastest song, so it’s not really ideal for cardio, but it’s a great one for lifting and full body conditioning. That steady beat and anthemic chorus should help you stay consistent when doing your body conditioning and lifting.
Foo Fighters, “Monkey Wrench”
It might be a stretch to call the Foo Fighters classic rock, but “Monkey Wrench” came out in 1997, so that’s decades ago. While the Foo Fighters have a lot of great alternative rock songs from yesteryear, when it comes to working out, “Monkey Wrench” is a good choice, because it’s quick, rollicking and sucks you in, so you won’t even know how hard you’re working out when you’re listening to it.
KISS, “Rock and Roll All Nite”
The men of KISS have a lot of great workout songs, but “Rock and Roll All Nite” stands above the rest. The idea of rocking all night can spill into your workout routine and maybe even motivate you to work out all night, or day, of course. Not that we recommend working out all night. That’s too much. But, regardless, it’s a fun, free-wheeling hard rock number with a fast beat that can get you going.
Motley Crue, “Kickstart My Heart”
Of course, Motley Crue’s rock anthem “Kickstart My Heart” is perfect for a tally about the best classic rock songs for working out. The lyric “heart” should get your heart pumping, and its driving, pulsating beat is a great to get your energy up. “Kickstart My Heart” is an ’80s classic that deserves to be on any workout playlist that’s heavy on hard rock and glam.
The Clash, “Rock the Casbah”
Punk music is great for working out, because the fast, repetitive guitars and rhythms can really get you pumping iron fast. The Clash’s “Rock the Casbah” is a gem and fits on any classic rock workout playlist.
Tom Petty, “Runnin’ Down a Dream”
Any song with the word “running” in it could be good for a workout playlist. While Tom Petty’s music is pretty laid-back and groovy, “Runnin’ Down a Dream” is a good one for casual walking, speed walking or jogging.
Twisted Sister, “We’re Not Gonna Take It”
Twisted Sister’s fast-paced “We’re Not Gonna Take It” is perfect for a run or jog. It’s also a good listen for body-building, because it has that inspiring message of fighting against the odds, or the norm, and saying that you’re not going to take it.
If heavy metal is more your thing than classic rock, check out Audio Ink Radio’s tally of the best metal workout songs of all time.
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