The ultimate K-pop gym playlist

Spice up your exercise playlist with these K-pop bangers that will have you actually enjoying your workouts!

Image: Danielle Cerullo on Unsplash.

Often, it’s extremely difficult to find the motivation to drag yourself to the gym. However, many turn to music to give them some extra energy for an intense workout. We’ve got the ultimate choices to have you lifting for days and running for miles, with a handy Spotify playlist too.

“God’s Menu” — Stray Kids

There’s nothing quite like shouting “cooking like a chef, I’m a five star Michelin” whilst running on a treadmill. Stray Kids’ fast-paced rap and EDM focus make any of their songs worthy of a place on a workout playlist. However, “God’s Menu” is our pick owing to its ability to match any kind of workout, from boxing to weights.

“Up!” — Kep1er

This summer anthem may seem like a strange choice for a workout playlist but you won’t understand its power until you try it. The pop track is laced with energy and excitement that will transform any dreary gym workout into one filled with joy. If you close your eyes hard enough, you may feel as if you are running on a beautiful beach rather than your local gym.

“Fire” — BTS

No gym playlist is complete without “Fire” by BTS. This K-pop classic is known to almost every fan and would make a great edition to a workout playlist. The rap verses by J-hope and SUGA set up the track to be an explosive one. Finish any workout with the outro to “Fire” as the boys chant to the electro instrumentals.

“Panorama” — IZ*ONE

From the start, “Panorama” is a track filled with energy and does not leave you any breathing room until its finish. The infectious build up to the high energy chorus is enough to get anyone on their feet. Warning: please do not try to do the choreography whilst on a treadmill, no matter how catchy it is!

“Drunk-Dazed” — ENHYPEN

Take this track from your clubbing playlist and put it in your workout playlist immediately! Yes, “Drunk-Dazed” may be a party song but who said a workout can’t be its own kind of party? The choreography for the chorus alone could be its own exercise session with its jumps and exaggerated moves. Let the members’ youth seep into your body whilst pumping iron.

“Pink Venom” — BLACKPINK

Any BLACKPINK song would make for a great addition to your workout playlist due to the girls’ badass energy that you can channel at the gym. However, the repetitive chorus of “Pink Venom” will allow you to focus all of your concentration on your workout. The final chorus dance break will make you feel like the girls are with you hyping you up!

“Don’t fight the feeling” — EXO

EXO are known for releasing exciting and often fast-paced tracks and “Don’t fight the feeling” is no different. The deep synth bass line that is prevalent throughout the whole track alongside the members’ melodic vocals make “Don’t fight the feeling” an upbeat and energetic track. This song will give you the stamina you need to complete your workout.

“Next Level” — aespa

This futuristic track will keep you entertained throughout your workout thanks to its musical twists and turns. The genre mixing of “Next Level” makes the song perfect for any kind of workout, from cycling to cool down stretches. Some of the choreography may even be fun to incorporate into your exercise routine.

“Kick It” - NCT 127

Whilst many may brand NCT 127’s music as too noisy, there’s nothing better to get you through a workout. If you are feeling tired part way through, blasting “Kick It” will have you pushing through to the end. MARK and TAEYONG’s rap verses pack a huge punch and the drop into the chorus make the track an intense listen that is perfect for the gym.

“TOMBOY” — (G)I-DLE

(G)I-DLE are known for their tracks with overarching feminist messages, with “TOMBOY” following this trend. If you’re feeling a little insecure about your abilities at the gym, listening to this track will remind you that you’re capable of smashing any workout. The instrumental chorus and pop-punk feel to the track will have you busting a move in the gym.

Next time you are at the gym and struggling to find the motivation to finish your workout, try listening to one of these tracks to help you push through to the end of your workout. What are your favourite tracks to play at the gym? Help us to improve our gym playlist with the songs that motivate you at the gym!

Edited by Gabii Rayner.