If you’re anything like me, you can’t work out without music to ignite your body and spirit. While I have the utmost respect for those who boost productivity by hitting the gym while listening to podcasts or audiobooks, I personally need high-intensity tunes to rally me for the hardest boss battle of all—self-discipline. While I enjoy all sorts of music for exercise, video games deliver the epic, empowering soundtracks I need to unlock real-world achievements. Bonus points for how they make it easier to pretend you’re training to save the planet or survive an apocalypse! Drawing on Reddit discussions about diverse tastes and my own experiences, I present eleven of the best video game songs, soundtracks, and medleys for working out:
1. Final Fantasy VII – “Crazy Motorcycle”
Listen here.
Best for: Cardio
This was the first song I thought of when I decided to write an article on the best video game soundtracks for working out. Yes, it’s in MIDI. Yes, it’s nearly thirty years old. However, the energy is undeniable and infectious, creating a rhythm that challenges you to keep up. The entire Final Fantasy VII soundtrack is bursting with high-octane hits that will help you break your limits. Here is a thirty-minute extended version.
2. Streets of Rage 4 – “Next of Kin Showdown” by Das Mörtal
Listen here.
Best for: Cardio, martial arts
Every Streets of Rage soundtrack packs a powerful punch. The electrifying beats sync up with the fury of punches and kicks needed to push through to the next stage, making for an intense, immersive experience that translates into real-life workouts. In fact, the music is so fun that I felt motivated to keep going to discover the next awesome song!
Reddit users especially love this radical bop for ramping up the energy.
3. Super Smash Bros. Brawl – “Bramble Blast”
Listen here.
Best for: Cardio, lifting, martial arts
I included an extended version of this song because you are going to need it. This YouTube comment from deltawind says it all: “How the heck did a somber and beautiful tune that makes people express deep emotions become one of the most uplifting and energetic songs imaginable? I don’t care and I absolutely love it.”
4. Doom Eternal – “The Only Thing They Fear Is You”
Listen here.
Best for: Lifting
This Doom workout mix begins with “The Only Thing They Fear Is You” and includes nearly two hours of sublimely savage video game metal. In almost every Reddit thread I read about the best video game music for working out, Doom ranks at or near the top. While I marked this as best for lifting, a YouTube comment from FrenchiestSpy speaks to its versatility in maximizing power: “Don’t listen to this while running on a treadmill. You’ll leave it behind.”
5. Sonic R – “Super Sonic Racing”
Listen here.
Best for: Aerobics, cardio
While Doom is glorious for fighting inner demons at the gym, sometimes you want some pep in your step from fun, feel-good music. The entire soundtrack from Sonic R is another popular recommendation in Reddit threads. Give it a listen and see if you can resist bopping along!
6. Mega Man 9 – “Rock Medley” by FreddeGredde
Listen here.
Best for: Cardio
This is another gem I found in a Reddit thread on the best gaming soundtracks to listen to in the gym: “A LOT of Mega Man music has the perfect tempo for cardio. This medley is always on my gym playlist, among others. Despite being uploaded 17 years ago, this galvanizing masterpiece still gets a steady flow of grateful comments.
7. Chrono Cross – “Scars of Time”
Listen here.
Best for: Warming up, Pilates, dancing
This is among my favorite songs from one of the most vibrant, evocative soundtracks of all time. It builds to a majestic, heart-stirring crescendo, making it perfect for a warm-up.
8. Final Fantasy VIII – “The Man with the Machine Gun”
Listen here.
Best for: Cardio
When you need hyping up, you really can’t go wrong with any Final Fantasy battle music, but I have a special place in my heart for Laguna’s fighting theme. The first time I heard it was such a thrill, and its knack for igniting movement has not waned after all of these years (and hundreds of repeats).
9. Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance – “The Only Thing I Know For Real”
Listen here.
Best for: Lifting
While the lyrics promise bloodshed, you can opt for just shedding sweat and weakness with this song as your call to arms.
10. Halo 3 – “Warthog Run”
Listen here.
Best for: Running
The Halo soundtrack is a brilliant, breathtaking experience that can invigorate your strides like a heroic war cry. The way the music surges in pace and intensity makes it the perfect ally for increasing speed on runs.
I love this story from hex9930: “I remember back when I attended these massive gatherings for running miles, I was the guy that brought a party boom box that was strapped to my back, tucked into a backpack so that I could play encouraging music for others to run to. Near the end of each run when there was only a mile to go, I’d take a moment to stop, check my phone, select this song, and then get to hauling like my life depended on it! Those who recognized the chorus gave cheers of joy and joined in with the hard run to knock out that last mile in style. In short, it may not be as glorious as driving a warthog with the world breaking down around you and flood chasing you but damn if it isn’t a close second!” True Spartans!
11. Hotline Miami – “Wrong Workout Mix”
Listen here.
Best for: Cardio, lifting
If you enjoy spirited synthwave music to help you enter the ultimate workout trance, then give the Hotline Miami soundtracks a gander. This YouTube comment from ExtremeMan10 conveys its power: “Instructions unclear, after one month of working out to this mixtape, my punches become sound barrier breaking rockets that can obliterate anything, but sadly I lost ability to pick any objects.”
We hope this collection of awesome video game workout music has helped you find some new favorites to break records with! We would also love to know which video game songs you have on your workout playlist.
See more:
- The Greatest Original Video Game Soundtracks: 1987–1997 Edition
- Our 12 Favorite Cozy Video Games to Relax With
- 42 Powerful Video Game Quotes on Life and Everything In Between
Featured image photo credit: Sega, Dotemu, Brave Wave Productions, and Mutant Ninja
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