School may be back in session across much of the United States, but summer temps are still going strong and we’re not letting go of those upbeat sounds of the season. If you follow the music charts or like to scroll TikTok you’ve certainly heard these songs that many are touting as the official “songs of the summer.”
As a group fitness instructor for more than 10 years, I constantly followed the charts and new releases so I could keep my playlists fresh. As many will agree, the music choice can sometimes make or make or break your workout! Without further ado, these are the workouts I would pair with the hottest hits of brat summer.
Million Dollar Baby by Tommy Richman: Cardio Hip Hop
Richman’s summer anthem is all about independence and creativity, just like a cardio hip hop group fitness class! Lyrical interpretation and musicality drive dance fitness workouts, and no two are just alike. Plus you can’t help but want to bop along to the beats of Million Dollar Baby. Express yourself and work up a sweat at the same time? Sign us up!
Not Like Us by Kendrick Lamar: Cycling
There’s no better soundtrack for a gritty cycling workout than a diss track. Let the Kendrick/Drake feud fuel your ride; with a BPM of 101, the tempo of Not Like Us is perfect for a steady-state ride, or divide it in half for a heavy climb.
Espresso by Sabrina Carpenter: Barre
Poppy with a steady eight-count beat, Espresso is the perfect song for a barre workout. The format focuses on small movements with low weight and high repetition, and requires a playlist that will keep you on tempo. Plus that catchy hook is definitely helping to distract us when those legs start shaking from time under tension!
exes by Tate McRae: Kickboxing or HIIT
With a 137 BPM, this moody track fits right into a high-intensity exercise playlist. And at only 2:39, the length is great to drive you through that highest intensity portion of your workout right before you take that all-important breather. I’m not sorry that you’ll love this one.
Lose Control by Teddy Swims: Yoga
This song is a slow burn with a powerful beat, making it perfect for a slow flow yoga session. Teddy Swims talks about his album being about self-discovery and healing, which you’ll certainly feel in the tone of his vocals. If you’re leaning into both the physical and meditative aspects of yoga, this song should be at the top of your playlist.
Birds of a Feather by Billie Eilish: Cooldown
The relaxed tempo and Billie’s calming voice are the perfect way to help slow your heart rate after any workout. Birds of a Feather is the quintessential cooldown song, in my personal opinion. Just give it a listen and you’ll understand why!
An outdoor stroll is one of the best and most accessible ways for people of all ages and abilities to get active in the summer. In addition to getting your heart rate up, just 20 minutes of fresh air and time in nature is scientifically proven to boost mood and mental health, lower blood pressure and improve sleep! Invite a friend along for a chat, or pop in some headphones and add these summer hits to your playlist.
Hot Girl/Boy/Person Walk or Roll playlist:
I Had Some Help by Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
HOT TO GO! by Chappell Roan
Who by Jimin
Apple by Charlie xcx
Houdini by Eminem
I Can Do It With A Broken Heart by Taylor Swift
Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma by Luke Combs
Bye Bye Bye by *NSYNC (From Deadpool and Wolverine, IYKYK)
A note on music licensing
If you’re a group exercise instructor or personal trainer using music as a part of your client programming, make sure that you are aware of and compliant with the music licensing regulations at the facility in which the music is played. Additionally, some facilities may have rules around the content of music included in your playlists, such as requiring clean or radio-edit versions of songs, or prohibiting songs with content around certain themes. Again, always be aware of and compliant with these regulations.
Disclaimer: Songs featured were selected by the author based on streaming data and music charts. Opinions expressed here are those of the author. Lyrics of featured songs do not represent or reflect any position of ACSM and should not be considered to be endorsed in any way by ACSM.
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Caitlin Kinser, M.S., started teaching group exercise classes in 2010. She’s taught in a variety of settings including fitness studios, large gyms, college campuses, youth/community centers and virtually. She has taught multiple formats, but her heart belongs to dance fitness. Caitlin owned and operated a boutique fitness studio for two years prior to joining the professional staff at the American College of Sports Medicine®, where she serves as the senior director of marketing strategy.
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