Walking is one of the simplest and most effective exercises—but the right music can take your workout from meh to magnificent! A well-curated walking music mix playlist keeps you motivated, helps you maintain pace, and makes the time fly by.
In this guide, you’ll find:
✔ The best workout songs for walking
✔ How to create the perfect walking playlist
✔ The science behind music and walking performance
✔ FAQs on walking playlists and workouts
Press play and let’s get moving!
What Are Some Good Songs to Listen to When Walking?
Upbeat Walking Songs to Keep You Moving
Music with 120–140 BPM (beats per minute) matches the average walking pace. Here are some top picks:
Pop & Dance Hits
- “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (115 BPM)
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake (113 BPM)
- “Levitating” – Dua Lipa (103 BPM but feels energetic)
Rock & Classic Anthems
- “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor (109 BPM)
- “Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey (119 BPM)
- “Sweet Child O’ Mine” – Guns N’ Roses (125 BPM)
Hip-Hop & Motivational Beats
- “Stronger” – Kanye West (104 BPM)
- “Lose Yourself” – Eminem (171 BPM – great for power walking!)
- “Happy” – Pharrell Williams (160 BPM)
Throwback & Fun Tracks
- “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves (110 BPM)
- “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” – Whitney Houston (120 BPM)
- “Dancing Queen” – ABBA (101 BPM)
💡 Pro Tip: Use apps like Spotify BPM Finder or SongBPM.com to check song tempos.
How to Make a Walking Playlist
Step 1: Choose the Right BPM
- Casual walkers: 100–120 BPM
- Power walkers: 120–140 BPM
- Speed walkers: 140+ BPM
Step 2: Mix Genres for Variety
Avoid monotony by blending:
✔ Pop ✔ Rock ✔ Hip-Hop ✔ Electronic ✔ Throwbacks
Step 3: Arrange for Energy Peaks
- Start strong (high-energy opener)
- Mid-walk motivation (steady beats)
- Cool-down (slower tempo at the end)
Step 4: Use Streaming Apps
- Spotify: Search “walking workout playlists”
- Apple Music: Try “Power Walk Mix”
- YouTube Music: “Upbeat Walking Songs”
What Type of Music Is Good for Walking?
The best walking music has:
✅ Upbeat tempo (matches your stride)
✅ Positive lyrics (boosts mood)
✅ Familiarity (songs you love = more motivation)
Avoid: Slow ballads or erratic beats that disrupt rhythm.
What Is the Best Walking Workout?
Pair your playlist with these walking styles:
| Workout Type | Pace | Music BPM |
|---|---|---|
| Leisure Walk | Slow, relaxed | 90–110 BPM |
| Brisk Walk | Moderate, steady | 110–130 BPM |
| Power Walk | Fast, arm swings | 130–150 BPM |
| Interval Walk | Mix of speeds | Varies (e.g., 120 + 140 BPM) |
People Also Ask (FAQs)
1. What are some good songs to listen to when walking?
Top picks: “Uptown Funk,” “Eye of the Tiger,” “Walking on Sunshine,” and “Happy.”
2. How to make a walking playlist?
- Pick songs with 100–140 BPM.
- Mix genres.
- Start strong, maintain energy, then cool down.
3. What type of music is good for walking?
Upbeat, rhythmic tracks (pop, rock, hip-hop) that match your pace.
4. What is the best walking workout?
Power walking (130–150 BPM) burns the most calories, but interval walks (mixing speeds) are great too.
Science Behind Music & Walking
Studies show that music:
✔ Increases endurance by up to 15%
✔ Distracts from fatigue
✔ Syncs movement (rhythm = better pace)
Sample 30-Minute Walking Playlist
- “Uptown Funk” – Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars (0:00–4:30)
- “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” – Justin Timberlake (4:30–8:15)
- “Eye of the Tiger” – Survivor (8:15–11:45)
- “Stronger” – Kanye West (11:45–15:30)
- “Walking on Sunshine” – Katrina and the Waves (15:30–18:45)
- “Happy” – Pharrell Williams (18:45–22:30)
- “Dancing Queen” – ABBA (22:30–26:00) Cool-down
Final Tips for the Ultimate Walking Mix
✔ Update regularly to avoid boredom.
✔ Match songs to terrain (upbeat for hills, steady for flats).
✔ Use wireless headphones for safety.
Conclusion
A great walking music mix playlist can transform your workout from a chore to a joyride. Whether you’re strolling or speed-walking, the right beats keep you moving longer and faster.
Now, lace up, press play, and walk your way to fitness—one song at a time!