My gym playlist

By Noel Galon de Leon

Let’s be honest. Working out without music is like sinigang without the sourness, bland, uninspired, and frankly, a little depressing. For someone like me who hits the gym almost every day (with only two sacred rest days per week), music isn’t just background noise. It’s a workout companion, a hype man, and sometimes, a therapist. So, as I head into my official third month of gym life, complete with sore muscles and improved squat form, I thought I’d share the soundtrack that’s been fueling my workouts these past two months.

Before diving into the playlist, let’s talk about why music matters not just to me, but to us Filipinos in general. Music plays a deeply rooted role in Filipino culture. It isn’t just a form of entertainment; it’s a part of who we are. It shows up in everyday life, from morning commutes to karaoke nights, and it’s central to our emotional expression. We sing when we’re in love, when we’re heartbroken, when we’re stuck in traffic, or when we’re waiting for adobo to simmer.

Across the archipelago, each region boasts its own musical traditions, from the kulintang and kudyapi of Mindanao to the rondalla ensembles of Luzon. Music is there at every Filipino celebration, whether it’s a town fiesta, a wedding, a wake, or even a simple merienda with friends. It’s not just a pastime; it’s a cultural heartbeat.

Now, back to the gym. Music during workouts isn’t just for fun. It’s actually grounded in psychology. Multiple studies have proven that music enhances physical performance, mental focus, and emotional well-being. For example, researchers Karageorghis and Priest found that listening to rhythmic, steady-beat music can increase physical endurance by up to fifteen percent. That’s right, music can quite literally make you last longer at the gym, and not just because you’re pretending to be in a dramatic music video montage. It also helps regulate your pacing and synchronize your movements, making your workout feel easier than it actually is. It lowers what scientists call “perceived exertion,” which is a fancy way of saying your brain gets tricked into thinking you’re not that tired. Thank you, science, for your positive manipulation.

Another study, conducted by Terry, Karageorghis, and colleagues, found that high-tempo and high-rhythm music increases arousal, motivation, and focus during exercise. This means that playing the right kind of music can make you feel like you’re ready to fight a dragon, or at least finish your fifth set of deadlifts without collapsing. It keeps your head in the game, especially during strength training or high-intensity interval workouts. So, if you’ve ever felt like you suddenly have superpowers when your favorite song drops right before a heavy lift, you’re not imagining it.

Music also plays a vital role in emotional regulation during workouts. A study by Thoma and colleagues found that listening to music while exercising reduces levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, and increases dopamine, the pleasure hormone. Translation: music makes you feel less stressed and a lot happier while you sweat it out. It relaxes the mind, lifts your mood, and even helps you recover from mental fatigue. So yes, when you’re dragging yourself to the gym after a long, soul-sucking day, that energizing playlist isn’t just a pick-me-up—it’s scientifically therapeutic.

Now, let’s talk about the music that personally keeps me going. First up, “GENTO” by SB19 has practically become my anthem for empowerment. The aggressive beat and commanding lyrics are exactly what I need during weightlifting sessions or intense cardio. It makes me feel like I’m lifting for the entire nation. Next is Sia’s “Unstoppable,” a track that delivers exactly what its title promises. It gives off the vibe that no matter how tired or weak you feel, you can push through anything especially when Sia’s voice starts soaring. Then there’s “Levitating” by Dua Lipa, which has that upbeat disco-pop sound that feels perfect for Zumba or any cardio-based routine. It’s impossible to listen to it and not start bouncing along, even when you’re already out of breath.

“Industry Baby” by Lil Nas X and Jack Harlow is another staple in my playlist. The bold brass beats and confident swagger of the song somehow fuel my lifting sessions. It’s not just a song, it’s an attitude. Then there’s “POWER” by Kanye West. The iconic chorus line, “no one man should have all that power,” feels like the perfect soundtrack to maxing out on the bench press. It gives me just enough psychological boost to convince myself I might, in fact, be a god of gains. For treadmill sessions, I often turn to “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd. It has a retro beat that keeps my legs moving in sync, and it’s so catchy that I forget I’ve been running for twenty minutes straight.

When I need a song with more angst and energy, I queue up “Good 4 U” by Olivia Rodrigo. It’s got the right kind of emotional intensity for rapid reps or circuits. For something more lighthearted and trendy, I go with the “Savage Love” remix by Jason Derulo and BTS. It’s catchy, bouncy, and makes me feel like I’m starring in a fitness-themed TikTok video. And when I need mental motivation, there’s “Lose Yourself” by Eminem, a classic that’s all grit and no excuses. It’s the kind of track that convinces you to grab life by the dumbbells. Finally, there’s “Butter” by BTS, which I reserve for warm-up or cooldown moments. It’s smooth, upbeat, and provides the right amount of chill energy without putting me to sleep.

All of these songs have one thing in common. They aren’t just trendy, they’re functional. They support different stages of a workout, the warm-up, the grind, the peak, and the recovery. The tempos, lyrics, and energy levels all align with what I need to get through each phase of the routine. In other words, this playlist isn’t just a random Spotify shuffle, it’s a carefully curated tool that helps me power through, zone in, and feel good while doing it.

So, if you’re building your own gym playlist, don’t just pick songs because they’re popular. Pick songs that resonate with you, songs that push you forward, mentally and physically. After all, working out isn’t just about reps and sets. It’s about rhythm, mindset, and a little musical magic. Press play, and may your next gym session be as powerful as your playlist.