Workout classes blast their sound systems for a reason, folks. Music enhances your training sessions.

Your favorite tunes are capable of subconsciously encouraging you to train harder and distracting you from pain. From the New York Times in 2010:

Multiple experiments have found that music increases a person’s subjective sense of motivation during a workout, and also concretely affects his or her performance.

I have a deep passion for all kinds of music. From Coltrane to Biggie, from Prince to John Lee Hooker, I love all genres. When I’m working out, however, I want something to draw out my physicality and push me hard – Mozart, though inspiring in other ways, isn’t going to cut it. With this information in mind, I figured I’d throw you my top 10 favorite workout artists with the hopes that they will help you develop a soundtrack for your goal achievement.

10. Guns n Roses – Suggested track: “You’re Crazy”

Sometimes it’s helpful to visualize that one SOB that wronged you and take some energy out on him or her, especially if you think they’re crazy.

9. NWA – Suggested track – “Approach to Danger”

The title says enough. There is a steady buildup to Eazy’s verse, then boom – you feel the danger and it’s time to hit your next set.

8. Skrillex – Suggested track – “Right In“

You can’t help but want to run really, really fast with this banging in your headphones.  Must play loud for full effect.

7.  DMX – Suggested Track – “Flesh of my Flesh, Blood of my Blood”

I feel like a hungry, vicious dog when I listen. Dark Man X was once a beast. Now, not so much.

6.  Hopsin – Suggested track – “Pans in the Kitchen”

Does he rip off Eminem stylistically and lyrically? Absolutely. But he’s talented, and in this case, his similarities to the cleverest rapper ever are helpful to the cause. The beat of this track hits with a nice, steady pace for a weight training session.

5.  Metallica – Suggested track – “Motorbreath”

Fast drums, fast guitar, gritty grimy voice of James, eat metal, spit nails, repeat.

4. Ice Cube – Suggested track – “No Vaseline”

“Oh yeah, it ain’t over motherfuckers…” Revenge can be a great motivator.

3. System of a Down – Suggested track – “Chop Suey”

If the chorus doesn’t make you want to tear the walls down in your gym, you don’t have a pulse.

2. Eminem – Suggested track – “Not Afraid”

Let me be clear, this is NOT my favorite Em track, but I appreciate the message of change. I understand using the energy of another’s pain to drive you to be great. Eminem is clearly giving us his anguish to burn as fuel.

1. (Tie) Rage Against the Machine and Tupac

Suggested track for Rage – “Testify”

The band’s passion, their courage this track’s energy inspires full force, 100% effort. I dare you to blast this track and not be ready to train.

Suggested track for Pac – “Hit em Up”

“We keep on coming, while we running for your jewels, steady gunning, keep on busting at them fools, you know the rules” Pac had a way to make you feel invincible, ride or die.

Now, what are y’all listening to? Leave your comments below,

Kap