Working out by yourself, with a partner or with a group may be easier if you have a little beat to keep you moving. Hip hop music is known for its beat, so it works well when certain tempos are adjusted to your workouts. You will learn about the rhythm, the tempo, a playlist for yourself, and some guidelines along the way. But if you are not familiar with hip hop, here is a warning: The lyrics to many of these songs are not suitable for children.
All About Rhythm
When you are working out, it is all about rhythm. You need to keep that same pattern going throughout an exersise, jog, lift, or what ever workout you are using. Listening to music, especially music with a quick beat, allows you to stay on cue and stay consistent during your workout. Hip-hop music is a popular choice because most of it has a loud, energizing beat. The tempo of hip hop is slower than most genres but still fast enough to get a rhythm.
The Right Tempo
Choosing the right tempo of music can be a difficult process, but an important one. You don’t want a slow song just as you are about to climb a hill on your bicycle. That’s when you need something fast to get your feet pumping. Having a list of the best hip-hop songs to include on your playlist when working out is good way to get started.
Black Eyed Peas: 'Let's Get it Started'
Runners say this song is perfect for running! The word "Runnin" is repeated many times at the beginning of the song, and just that puts you right into the mood.
50 Cent: 'In Da Club'
One of the most popular hip-hop songs on the planet, this one makes for one of the best songs for your workouts. It has a well-paced beat.
Black Eyed Peas: 'Pump It'
Another Black Eyed Peas favorite for many exercisers, this is a good song to bounce to. It is very energetic, perfect for when you want to push yourself further.
Outkast: 'B.O.B'
This song is bound to make you move. If you’re looking for a challenge, fit this into your workout and try to keep up with the beat – it’s extremely fast!
Kanye West: 'Stronger'
This is a favorite of indoor-cycling class instructors due to its punk driven beat with an added flavor of hip-hop.
Honorable Mentions
Kanye West's "The New Workout Plan" is on many mp3 players in gyms all over the country, you can be sure. Kanye’s fast beat and slick lyrics put you right in the mood for competition.
Limp Bizkit ft Medthod Man & Redman--"Rollin" is a rock song remixed with a little hip-hop, making for a great interval workout. The pace bounces back and forth between quick and slow.
Crime Mob--"Knuck if You Buck" is many people's favorite songs ever and definetily on their play lists. Crime Mob is known for a hard-edged crunk style of music that gets you pumped and ready to roll.
Onyx--"Slam" probably is his biggest song ever and it works for any kind of exercise.
luke--"I wanna rock" is just full of energy. If you need a beat that is really fast paced, look to burn a lot of calories with this song.
Guidelines
Eveyone has her favorite list of songs that they love to rock to. Set up your playlist so that as your workout increases, the tempo of the songs increases as well. Then, as you are beginning your cool down, play songs that will gradually decrease your tempo. Adding some vibrant hip-hop music to your playlist can help you change the pace and add some spice to your workout routine.
References
- "Does Music Alter Performance and Change Perception of Effort During Exercise?"; Kirby, A M., Murphy, R J. L.; Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise; May 2003
- "Effects of Music on Pacing Strategy During A Cycling Time Trial"; Atkinson G, Wilson D, Eubank M; Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise; May 2001
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