Science Figures Out Perfect Workout Playlist

All this research and I'm over here thinking "I just want to update my iTunes so I can actually put songs on my phone!"  Seriously though, science and Spotify got together to create the "perfect" playlist for your workout as you kick that New Year's Resolution to get into shape into high gear.  Here's how they did it...

A Music in Exercise and Sport research team partnered with Spotify to analyze 6.7 million playlists with the word "Workout" in the title to compare the BPM in each of the song.  According to the team the average person takes about 150 to 190 strides per minute while jogging, so you halve that number to get the BPM you should be listening to while running.  75 - 95 BMP - most commonly found in urban and rap music.  They also say the lyrics in these songs are full of physical energy best translated to running/cardio.

What about the girly pop you like?  They say the regular rhythmic patterns and beats in those songs are better for repetitive tasks like warming-up and cooling down.  Lifting?  Then you want the fast, rhythmic bass of EDM music for that.  How about rock?  Stay away from it when you workout.  The study showed that the tempo changes in rock music blow your workout flow.

Here's where some of your favorite KISS music ranked on the group's "Ultimate Workout Playlist."

Warm-Up

• Katy Perry - Roar (92 BPM)
• Jason Derulo - Talk Dirty (100 BPM)
• Daft Punk - Get Lucky (116 BPM)

Cardio (From lowest to highest intensity)

• Avicii - Wake Me Up (125 BPM)
• Pitbull/Ke$ha - Timber (130 BPM)
• Lady Gaga - Applause (140 BPM)
• Macklemore - Can't Hold Us (147 BPM)
• Pharrell - Happy (160 BPM)

Strength Training

• Eminem/Rihanna - The Monster (110 BPM)
• John Newman - Love Me Again (126 BPM)

Cool Down

• Ellie Goulding - Burn (86 BPM)
• Lorde - Team (85 BPM)

My workout playlist is way off the mark with this study since it's Taylor Swift, Gotye, Of Monsters and Men, Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, OAR, Matt Nathanson and A$AP Rocky ft Skrillex. In fact...my phone might be the only place where these songs can exist together and not cause some explosion!

What are you listening to at the gym?