3 min readIF YOU’VE BEEN feeling unmotivated by stock workout playlists from streaming services, your own “2016 sweat mix,” or—worse yet—whatever your gym blasts from the speakers, 2026 is here to save you.
From plate-pushing heavy metal to interval-thrashing punk to yes even Harry Styles, 2026 has been a great year for workout music so far.
These are the best new workout songs of 2026. Run the whole playlist through or pick that ones you like to update your own list. They’re all sweat-tested across sports for maximum motivation.
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“Rocks” by Dry Cleaning
Florence Shaw narrates the heaviness of life between driving guitar lines. To help you carry the load.
“Vite Fait” by Meryl (Feat. Pippin OSP)
“Vite fait” translates in English to “quickly” or “fast.” Keep up.
“Westside Baby (ATL CHASERS) by Lil Tony Official
Swinging, braggy, brash Atlanta rap that works hard and has fun doing it.
“Glitch” by Slut Intent
A ruthless 2-minute protest song that hits hard with the lyrics “You fannеd the flames / Playing god with all your war machines / We brought the matches / To a world you filled with gasoline.”
“Weak” by Gylt
Because you are not, by any means.
“VIBE COP” by HEALTH
Industrial guitar and crushing distorted drumbeat makes you feel like you’re working out in an abandoned steel mill.
“Past It” by Lexa Gates
An anthem to pushing past it all—the struggle, the critics, the toil—and hitting the top. Congratulations, you’re a winner now.
“Let There Be Shred” by Megadeath
Dave Mustaine proves he still has it. Show that you do, too.
“I Know Where Mark Chen Lives” by Joyce Manor
A wake-up call from the California punk band that pumps like Zone 5 cardio.
“Bodies” by Blackwater Holylight
“You are your own worst of enemies / Taking away from your body / Keeping it covered in whole / Pretending you’re not in your own way / Keeping it always the same”
“The Sentence of Absolution” by Mayhem
If seven-minute-plus Norwegian black metal dirges are your thing, well, this will be your thing.
“Magazine” by Mandy, Indiana
Because you want to be on the cover of Men’s Health, right?
“Bad Faith” by Converge
The Salem metalcore band is baaaaack with this hard-charging rager about never giving up.
“The Beat” by Angel Du$t
The Baltimore thrashers mix Turnstile with RATM vibes. Put it on loop in times of need.
“Halls of Weeping” by Worm
Otherwise known as “the gym.”
“Be Great” by Jill Scott (Feat. Trombone Shorty)
The modern R&B legend carpe diems all over while Shorty blasts brass.
“Aperture” by Harry Styles
Hazza found running and disco at just the right moment, apparently.
“Muero” by CA7RIEL & Paco Amoroso
If you’re not smiling through the sweat by the end of this track from these Argentinian absurdists, turn it up. You’re not dying.
“SWIM” by BTS
The K-Pop hitmakers soundtrack the lap pool.
“Guts (Lay Your Self Aside)” by Poison Ruïn
Damaged-era punk for modern trying times—low-fi guitar-builds, twirling riffs, growls, and all.
“Born in a Bad Way” by Spirit Adrift
An ode to outworking your genetics.
“Motion Party” by BossMan Dlow
It’s an airbike instant classic.
“Human Terror” by Portrayal of Guilt
The Austin hardcore band’s latest feels like barely holding it together while the wheels come off.
“Liars Tale” by KNEECAP
The revolutionaries from Ireland fist-pumping political protest runs with a brutal backbeat.
“See Thru” by youbet
“Hold on / I can get up,” is a mini mantra for the next set.
“Acuyuye” by Olof Dreijer, Diva Cruz
The hype of being in a Zumba class—without actually being in a Zumba class.
“Jackpot” by Lip Critic
Unhinged Brooklyn electropop that sounds like sweat flying.
Paul Kita is a Deputy Editor at Men's Health, where he has covered food, cooking, nutrition, supplements, grooming, tech, travel, and fatherhood at the brand for more than 15 years. He is also the author of two Men's Health cookbooks, Guy Gourmet and A Man, A Pan, A Plan, and the winner of a James Beard Award.
