Pump It Up With Podcasts

In the last decade, the body of research on workout music has accelerated considerably, helping psychologists refine their ideas about why exercise and music are such an effective pairing, as well as how music changes the body and mind during physical exertion. Music, they have found, elevates mood, distracts people from pain and fatigue, increases endurance, reduces perceived effort, and may even promote metabolic efficiency.

Some people, however, prefer to workout to a podcast. Much like music, podcasts distract people from discomfort and exhaustion. Whether you’re into pop culture, impactful storytelling, or just want something to laugh at while you’re at the gym, there’s a podcast that’ll suit your needs and make your workout fly by.

Below are a few options to consider next time you need a podcast for some added motivation to get your sweat on.

PODCAST SUGGESTIONS

UNHAPPY HOUR WITH MATT BELLASSAI

Best for: Distracting yourself from things you hate more than working out.
Your hour-long workout will fly by while you listen to host Matt Bellassai list his hilarious, relatable complaints about current events, pop culture, and everything we love to hate. Even if sit-ups aren’t on your workout list, your abs will still hurt from laughing. Listen here.

SNAP JUDGEMENT

Best for: Making your workout fly by.
Snap Judgement delivers compelling true stories set to musical beats that keep listeners captivated until the very end. This podcast is perfect for getting through a series of reps, or during a run, as it provides listeners with a tangible experience that makes it feel like you’re part of the story. Listen here.

BE THERE IN FIVE

Best for: Training for a foot race.
Want to get up to speed on the latest pop culture while working on your run time? Be There in Five host, Kate Kennedy, explores trending topics featuring celebrities, TV, movies, and 90s/00s nostalgia. Each episode is around two hours, which makes it an ideal series for distance runners and those who are training for a big race. Listen here.

WAIT WAIT…DON’T TELL ME

Best for: Monotonous cardo.
NPR's weekly current events quiz show will have you so entertained, which makes this a perfect listen for cardio workouts that get long or kinda tedious. Each podcast tests their (and your) knowledge against some of the best and brightest in the news and entertainment world while figuring out what's real news and what's fabricated. Listen here.

MY FAVORITE MURDER

Best for: Motivation.
If you're a true crime fan with a sense of humor, My Favorite Murder is the episodic podcast for you. Because it sticks with one topic or story for the entire season, you actually won’t be able to wait to start exercising so you can find out what happens in the next episode. Listen here.

JOCKO PODCAST

Best for: Getting through your toughest workouts.
Listening to the Jocko Podcast during a workout is kind of like having your own personal Navy SEAL by your side. Hosted by Navy SEAL, Jocko Willink, this podcast features stories of tenacity and true grit from America’s most adept fighting force. Hearing these stories will motivate you to push harder and get stronger. Listen here.

THIS IS JOY & CLAIRE

Best for: Having company during your workout.
Don’t have a workout buddy? Podcast hosts Joy Parrish and Claire Koch will keep you company. Their podcast covers a variety of wellness and current event topics in a conversational way that’ll make you feel like you’re having a chat with friends while completing your sets — and friendly conversation always seems to make workouts fly by. Listen here.

ANOTHER ROUND

Best for: A boost of energy.
This is an energetic podcast with several different segments per episode, each one funnier or more interesting than the last. It'll keep your attention, and the pace is lively. Listen here.

The right podcast, like in music,
will elevate your mood and persuade
you to ride out the waves of exhaustion.

Do you have any podcast suggestions? Tell us in the comments below.