The Playlist That’s PROVEN To Get You Amped — Spotify Reveals Research Used To Craft Its ‘Ultimate Fitness Workout Playlist’

Image Source: The Active Times

After analyzing over 6.7 million workout playlists, the research team at Spotify carefully composed what they call the ‘Ultimate Fitness Workout Playlist.’ But it wasn’t just a random compilation of their favorite songs from these analyzed playlists that led to their choices of motivational music.

Dr. Costa Karageorghis, deputy head at the School of Sport and Education at Brunel University (London), developed a unique model that infused specific characteristics of songs, including their global popularity, beats per minute (BPM), audience perception, rhythm and lyrics. This data — along with experimental methods such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), which tracks brain activity, and heart rate variability — produces results that unite music and its impact on exercise.¹

Prior to this data, there was an assumption that heart rate should rise in unison with the tempo of a song. Karageorghis’ research found that a “sweet spot” for music exists within a range of 120-140bpm, which functions better for exercise motivation and influence.

“This means that at the point at which your body is shouting ‘STOP’, the music has the power to lift your mood and beckon you on.” - Dr. Costas Karageorghis 

According to Spotify listening data, Macklemore’s Can’t Hold Us was the most popular song across workout playlists; a banger ideal for a quick HIIT session (147 BPM). Conversely, slower songs like Daft Punk’s Get Lucky (116 BPM) and Jason Derulo’s Talk Dirty (100 BPM) work better as a warm-up or cool-down.

After all of this effort by the research team, the playlist is worth checking out. We’ve provided BPM and workout data for the entire playlist below, but you can listen to it in full through Spotify. And if you’re looking for additional workout music, check out our daily workout music factory.

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Julie Fine

Content Specialist at Lean It Up

Julie Fine is an AFAA-CGF, Beachbody INSANITY Coach, former chunky gal, 110% pure fitness junkie and an SEC-lovin' sorority girl at the University of Missouri.

When she isn't spending her extra time as a campus tour guide (Go Tigers!), she's probably scrounging around the aisles of Barnes & Noble or doing some impulse online shopping.

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References, Notes, Links

1. Brunel University London — Dr Karageorghis reveals science behind Spotify Ultimate Workout Playlist [↩]