Your Spring 2015 Workout Playlist

Fitness Tips

Your Spring 2015 Workout Playlist

In a season of winter slush and bleak overcast skies, it can be hard to remember that the sun will come back and there will be green leaves again.

Well, spring has finally arrived – and with it come temperatures actually above freezing. In this spirit of rebirth, we’ve gathered a playlist of nine motivating jams still on the charts that will get your feet moving and heart pumping.

1. "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars & Mark Ronson

This funky throwback deserves the critical and commercial fame that’s being heaped on it. We dare you not to move to the beat when the trumpets blare. And it’s not just the sound that’s dated – listen for the “Scarface” and Michelle Pfeiffer love.

2. "Love Me Harder" by Ariana Grande with The Weeknd

It starts slowly, but quickly picks up a rhythm as Grande launches into her trademark vocal gymnastics. But the song really hits its stride when The Weeknd chimes in. Expect lots of synth and overdubbing from these two.

3. "Centuries" by Fall Out Boy

With a cinematic music video that harkens back to ‘Gladiator,’ this anthem has a solid, perfect-for-reps beat. “Centuries” is off the band’s “American Beauty/American Psycho” album and oddly pays tribute to Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner” near the end.

4. "Love You Like That" by Canaan Smith

This song is only Smith’s second single and has a very modern pop-country sound: lots of guitar picking, a big bass-line and touches of twang to keep it legit. While rather generic, it is diverting for its three and a half minutes. It may be good to have him on your radar, however: Rolling Stone named Smith one of “10 Artists You Need to Know” for fall of 2014.

5. "Sugar" by Maroon 5

We're definitely not suggesting adding very much sugar to your diet, but this Maroon 5 hit will have thoughts of dancing in your head as you run. Bonus: the music video shows the band crashing weddings.

6. "Something in the Water" by Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood can always be counted on for an adrenaline-releasing chorus in her power ballads. “Something in the Water” is no different. With its insistent beat, tempo changes and giant crescendo, this song will make 20 minutes on the treadmill go by in no time flat.(Or 20 minutes flat, technically.)

7. "Time of Our Lives" by Pitbull and Ne-Yo

Pitbull partners with Ne-Yo on this pumping tale of a rent party for Y2K. Keep an ear out for shout-outs including those late 90s staples Dennis Rodman and Mariah Carey.

8. "Sun Daze" by Florida Georgia Line

This optimistic, ready-for-summer tune should provide the necessary inspiration for continuing your spring workout efforts. After all, who doesn’t want to recline by the pool and get their “sun daze on?” And a tune for the cool-down:

9. "FourFive Seconds" by Rihanna featuring Paul McCartney and Kanye West

This song’s soulful beat is a bit slow for the actual workout, but perfectly suited to a nice cool-down. Hopefully after a tough session, the chances of you “wildin’” (going crazy in our common parlance) will be slight.