Home workouts are becoming a thing, lately. Of course, many of us still get our sweat on at the gym. But, it’s nice to know that you can ‘buff the stuff’ at home, too.
But, whether you’re exercising at home or in the gym, music is always a great option for whatever your workout of choice: intensity for cardio and resistance, or relaxing for stretching, breathing, or meditating.
Music turns up the heat. It says, “Get moving. Let’s run. One more set, and so on.” Music increases stamina and puts you in a better mood. And, the lyrics can inspire and motivate, too.
With all these revelations in mind, here are a few song suggestions for your workouts.
Skillet “Save Me”
No workout playlist is complete without Skillet. “Legendary,” “Monster,” “The Resistance,” and the list of workout hopefuls goes on and on. One of Skillet’s recent singles, “Save Me,” is a great add-on as well.
Skillet’s lead singer John Cooper told NRT’s Kevin Davis: “What I like about the concept of ‘Save Me’ is how, as humans, we all desire relationships. We all want to know someone in an intimate way. But, what we're not always prepared for is that intimacy hurts.”
So, workout with a buddy. Nothing says, “Let’s build a relationship” more than caring for your body with another.”
Some heavy songs, you’re not always privy to its message—especially when you’re exercising. But, from time to time, a hopeful lyric does catch your ears: “I’m closer to the edge tonight/I’m standing on the ledge, so why/Hold you, reach out your hand/I’m damaged if you dare (tonight)/It feels like no one cares, so why/Can I come back for air?/Just save (just save), just save me.”
RED “The War We Made”
This is my COVID-19 pandemic theme song. The reason why is in the lyrics: “Am I alone? Am I alright?/Am I insane? Am I alive?/What does it take to/Stop waging war with?/All I thought I wanted/All I thought I needed.” This song reminds me of how we’ve turned on each other since the pandemic began. Racial inequality. Breaking quarantine. Vaccine resistance. Country and political disagreements. You get the idea.
About the song, RED guitarist Anthony Armstrong says,”’The War We Made’ talks about our innate ability as humans to cause destruction in our own lives. A lot of the time, we don't even realize that we ourselves are the source of the pain. And if we want to see a change brought about, it’s a fight that we have to be willing to win.”
It’s a workout song that aims to inspire and motivate. Put this song on your playlist and watch the intensity flow through you.
Fireflight “Who We Are”
Fireflight dropped “Who We Are” in 2020. And, similar to “The War We Made,” it speaks of today’s current events (you know, the infamous pandemic). Of course, “Who We Are” was written long before the pandemic.
Fireflight lead singer Dawn Michele shares, “As God’s children, we are the people who are supposed to be the ones who are showing love to others. We’re the ones that are here to be a healing power for the broken systems, the things that are built around man’s ideas. I think this is a really interesting opportunity for those of us who follow God to step up and show what God’s love is made of.”
A sweat song with a sweet message: definitely, a little inspiration for your workout.
Nine Lashes “Guilty Hands”
Nine Lashes has many songs in their catalog that you can add to your workout playlist. In the past year, the band has released “Shadows,” “Dear Self,” and “Rise.” “Guilty Hands,” their first return single, is very ideal for intense exercise. By the way, this song is great for an exercise circuit.
Scott Stapp “Survivor”
I have a soft spot for Scott Stapp. Not because he was once the lead singer of one of my favorite bands, Creed, but because of his rock-like voice. Even as a solo artist, Scott keeps his rock sound—enough for me to plan my workout around. One of Scott’s older songs, “Slow Suicide,” is a great song for exercise. If you want workout songs from Creed, may I suggest “Higher” and “My Sacrifice.”
Relent “Jesus Freak”
Collectively, tobyMac, Michael Tait, and Kevin Max, that is DC Talk, are a group ahead of their time. I added “Jesus Freak” to my workout playlist only a few years ago (that’s when I got into ‘90s Christian music). And, while we wait for a reunion studio album that might never come, I’ll keep sweating to this song. Impressively, up-and-coming Christian rock band Relent has released a version of “Jesus Freak,” which is comparable to the original. Listen to it. You’ll agree.
Seventh Day Slumber “Run to the Father”
Hard rock versions of worship hits are quality. But, can you imagine yourself working out to Matt Maher? How about Cody Carnes? Both singers released great versions of “Run to the Father.” But, these versions are suitable for praising God during Sunday morning worship—a little hard to curl dumbbells with softer music in your ear.
You need intensity. Seventh Day Slumber added some guitar, powered up the arrangement, and viola—a workout anthem. Yes, it’s still a little slow. But, you can drown yourself in the music, while trying to get in that last rep. It might also be great for your end-workout cooldown. Trust me, it works.
Paul Phillips is a Canadian journalist with over 10 years of experience writing and editing digital and print content. He specializes in health, fitness, nutrition, and travel. He loves music, movies, and, of course, living for Jesus.
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