As a former radio host, I like to think of myself as very eclectic when it comes to music. I’ve worked for Top 40’s, Hip Hop, Rock, Country and Soft Rock stations, so I’ve never really had a favorite genre – just an appreciation for talent and good music. Every summer I create a playlist featuring some of my favorite songs mixed with some of the year’s greatest hits (in my opinion) thus far. This list is filled with a few slow songs, some dance hits, Old Skool jams and feel good songs that go along with long summer nights and bonfires.
This year, I’ve decided to put together a similar summer playlist, but with a twist – a fitness twist! I shall call it: My 2018 Epic Summer Fitness Playlist. Catchy, right? This playlist will not only help motivate me in the gym, but will translate over to my summer parties, long summer drives and of course, all the epic beach days and bonfires. Below are a few of the song I’ll be bumping in my headphones while I hit it hard in the gym, go for a long run outside, or just chill out with friends during the summer of 2018.
10 Hits To Add To Your Summer Fitness Playlist
1) Fergalicious by Fergie
Fergie pre-National Anthem was pretty epic! What? Too soon? With lyrics like “I be up in the gym just working on my fitness” – what girl doesn’t love this song? Not only will you be stepping a little faster on the Step Mill to this hit, but it will help you forget about that burn in your hammies for about 3 minutes and 46 seconds. Throw it on before a night out with the girls for an epic sing-a-long session.
2) Bodak Yellow by Cardi B
From her breakout hits, to her crazy red-carpet interviews, to sitting next to the Queen of Vogue during fashion week – this has definitely been the year of Cardi B! “Bodak Yellow” in the gym. Put this on while lifting and I guarantee you’ll hit a new PR in no time. Just try to refrain from giving others that scary “Bardi-stare!”
3) House Party by Sam Hunt
So, after a recent bachelorette weekend in Nashville with some girlfriends – I’m hooked on this song! This will be a go-to cardio song for me, and a go-to for parties all summer long song. Sam Hunt is taking over the country music scene right now and winning the hearts of every girl regardless of your feelings toward the genre. Add this song for the great tempo and of course, the eye candy.
4) I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston
I may be a little bias when it comes to Whitney Houston songs, but this song is a major staple in a summertime playlist. Another cardio go-to, this song is perfect for a morning pick me up on any machine. I usually follow this song up with another Whitney classic “How Will I Know” for a Whitney Pump Me Up session; but that’s totally up to you. And, I don’t think I need to mention how quickly these songs can start any party!
5) 24K Magic by Bruno Mars
If you don’t have any Bruno Mars songs on your summer playlist, then you’re doing something wrong. There really is no going wrong with any of his up-tempo hits in the gym, but my personal favorite is “24K Magic.” There’s something about listening to a Bruno Mars song that makes you feel cooler than you are, right? Throw it on and strut through the gym or down the beach this summer!
6) No More Tears Left To Cry by Ariana Grande
She’s baaack! After a roller-coaster year in 2017, Ariana Grande is back with a dance party hit that will have you spinning around with your girlfriends on the dance floor all summer. Speaking of spinning – throw this hit on when you’re on the bike and I bet you’ll be sweating in no time.
7) Footloose by Kenny Loggins
OK, OK – Don’t knock it til you try it. Trust me, when the beat of this song syncs up with your feet hitting the treadmill – it’s like buttah! You’ll run faster than ever and even push yourself past that time limit you set earlier, just to finish the song. Want to turn a regular party into an epic dance party? Well, here you go! “Everybody Cut Footloose!”
8) Filthy by Justin Timberlake
“Haters gon’ say it’s fake!” Justin Timberlake is another make you feel cooler-than-you-actually-are artists to bump to in the gym. The beat of this song is great while pumping iron, but it’works well for posing and captioning those gym selfies. And, we all know there’s no summer like a JT summer! Grab the girls and have a JT jam sesh any day of the week!
9) Despacito by Luis Fonsi ft. Daddy Yankee
2017, 2018, 2095 – I really don’t care what year it is – when “Despacito” hits my headphones, car radio or home speakers: I DANCE! It really doesn’t matter what you’re doing in the gym when this hit comes on. You could be tying your shoe or filling up your water bottle, this is a must-have on your gym playlist and of course, your summer dance playlist!
10) Grown Woman by Beyoncé
WWBD – What would Beyoncé do? Well, she would put on her gym clothes and kill her workout LIKE A BOSS with one of her very own songs! As a card-carrying member of the Beehive, I could have chosen any Queen Bey song to add to this playlist. This song, however, speaks to every woman and sends you to another level. As soon as you hear the beat drop, you instantly know, it’s time to get to work! In the gym or out – this is another must have summer hit on your playlist!
