If there’s anything The Badger Herald values outside of dank-ass writing, it’s exercise. So we decided to combine our eclectic music tastes and make a playlist dedicated to working out. You can substitute this for whey protein, it’s that effective.

Rick Derringer – “Real American”

America. Home of Hulk Hogan, colossal biceps and one-upping Europe. When it comes to pumping iron, there’s no better anthem than Hulk Hogan’s World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc., opening theme. As Rick Derringer’s workout masterpiece blares through my earbuds, my biceps bulge and glisten. A bald eagle bursts from my mouth and soars majestically across Lake Mendota. I am strength. I am courage. I am a Real American. —Aaron Hathaway

Nas & Damian Marley – “Africa Must Wake Up”

My workouts could hardly be considered intense. I jog pitifully, so the music blasting through my headphones has to keep me positive and unable to sink into thoughts about the misery that is running. This is one of my favorite songs of all time. In fact, I’ve played it so often that everyone else in my family now hates it. For an upbeat song about change, check it out and be inspired. —Phebe Myers

M83 – “Moonchild”

Sometimes I just need to clear my head, and going for a run has been my go-to method of doing so for years now. Something about the repetitive motions and the simplicity of moving lets my thoughts drift away and leaves me feeling a thousand times better. Running is all about the pacing, so I try to stay away from anything too hype, favoring steady beats and immersive soundscapes. Synthpop as a genre is filled with this kind of driving yet downtempo music, and M83 are masters of creating huge-sounding electronics that seethes with restrained energy. This song in particular, with its rolling, wordless vocals and crashing percussion fills my head and takes me away. —Nathaniel Scharping

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBdmYu8_ZiM

Bastille – “Pompeii”

They survived a volcano eruption; you can survive three more minutes on the elliptical. “Pompeii” is a must-have song on any great workout playlist. The song’s crazy drum beat and electric melody will pump you up and make whatever physical activity you’re doing a whole lot more bearable. When this song comes on you can’t help but feel like you’re unstoppable. The higher the volume, the better. —Laura Schmitt

M83 – “Midnight City”

There’s something in the first few notes of “Midnight City” that just makes me want to get up and do something, be active. The epic buildup in the song always get me through those last few seconds of a hard workout where I usually just want to give up. Warning: it’s hard not to be tempted to start dancing along to it while you’re working out. –-Monica Sather

Black Sabbath – “Paranoid”

In this classic song, Ozzy Osbourne screams at you like he’s trying to speak over a drunken crowd in a bar, a great way to get the adrenaline pumping. This is hard rock at its best, and that alone should be motivation to do some push-ups. The song is also about embracing inadequacy and the feeling that you might be a little strange. Literally everyone ever has felt this way at some point, and what better way to combat (or embrace!) these feelings than by sculpting your body while banging your sweaty head to a shredding guitar? —Alton Zenon III

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQBttKoetqo

2Pac – “Ambitionz Az A Ridah”

The first iconic words to this iconic song are “I won’t deny it, I’m a straight ridah / You don’t wanna fuck with me.” I dare you to repeat that phrase to yourself right this very second and try not to feel like a badass. You can run one extra mile, do five more reps or add 10 pounds to your max. Tupac’s spirit will help you. —Alton Zenon III

Flume – “On Top”

When I work out I’m not looking for lyrical genius, inspiring guitar licks or anything described as “motivational.” I alternate between EDM and rap, anything with a good beat. This one has enough lyrics to distract me from the person sweating close by and enough variation in the beat for me to switch up my running pace. –-Mekea Larson

Cold Cave – “The Great Pan is Dead”

A genuinely exciting riff on 80s synth rock, Cold Cave’s “The Great Pan is Dead” moves at roughly a zillion BPM. Great for sprinting or any other fast-moving, heavy-duty working out, it will suck you into a cyclone of rhythmic musical intensity like nothing else. —Vincent Mollica

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jyug-4hCp4

Kevin Rudolf – “Let It Rock”

Whether you’re pumping up hills or jogging along the Lakeshore Path, this upbeat, repetitive song will drill its motivational lyrics into your head. Its steady beat always helps put a rhythm to my steps. If you love the adrenaline of a fast pace or just need some inspiration to keep your legs moving, this song will help you put one foot in front of the other. The song’s catchy tune will keep the chorus running through your head even after the last beat fades. –-Abby Gleason

OneRepublic – “Counting Stars”

Whenever I listen to this song I want to dance, jump or just move my body in a dramatic manner. It is a blood-pumping song. The line “Everything that kills me makes me feel alive” perfectly encapsulates my feelings while working out. Jogging or weightlifting always makes me almost pass out, but it makes me know that I am still alive. —Penny Peng

Britney Spears – “Work Bitch”

With a steady rhythm, heavy bass and upbeat tempo, Britney Spears’ “Work Bitch” could be the perfect workout song. The song falls somewhere between the genres of mainstream pop, techno and dance with sounds that get the blood flowing and urge listeners to get up and move. The synth effects, riff cycles and strategically-positioned drops build as the song progresses, becoming increasingly pulsating and serving as a solid backbone for a workout. The minimal lyrics are also motivating, communicating a message that you must work in order to achieve that which you desire. —Sam Sklar

Anything by The Game

When working out or going for a run you want to bring out your primitive instincts for the best results. No artist brings out that angry, adrenaline-soaked, primal energy quite like The Game. Whether you’re blasting his older stuff like “Compton,” “We Ain’t” and “Martians vs. Goblins” or his newer stuff like “Bigger Than Me,” “Scared Now” and “Swerve,” you’re going to have a surge of extra power for that extra rep. Listen to “Name Me King” during a run or “Ali Bomaye” while lifting for the best workout vibes. —Louis Johnson