27 Best Workout Songs From the 80s: Pump It Up

27 Best Workout Songs From the 80s: Pump It Up

Get ready to pump up the volume and break a sweat with our handpicked playlist of “27 Best Workout Songs from the 80s.”

These iconic tracks will transport you back in time, providing an adrenaline-fueled soundtrack for your workouts.

Let’s rediscover the infectious beats and high-energy vibes that made the 80s an unforgettable era for fitness fanatics and dance enthusiasts alike.

Time to hit the gym, ’80s style!

Here are the best workout songs from the 80s that you can check out:

List Of Best Workout Songs From the 80s

Best workout songs from the 80s in a list format:

1. Eye of the Tiger – Survivor (Survivor, 1982)

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor is the ultimate anthem for perseverance and determination. Featured on their 1982 album ‘Survivor,’ this song was also the theme for the movie ‘Rocky III.’

2. Push It – Salt-N-Pepa (Hot, Cool & Vicious, 1986)

This infectious track from Salt-N-Pepa’s debut album ‘Hot, Cool & Vicious’ is perfect for getting your blood pumping. “Push It” was released in 1986 and remains a timeless favorite for workout playlists.

3. You Spin Me Round (Like a Record) – Dead or Alive (Youthquake, 1985)

Dead or Alive’s “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” is a quintessential 80s dance hit. Featured on their 1985 album ‘Youthquake,’ this catchy track will have you moving to the beat in no time.

4. Footloose – Kenny Loggins (Footloose, 1984)

Kenny Loggins’ “Footloose” was the title track for the 1984 movie of the same name. This high-energy tune, full of lively beats and toe-tapping rhythm, will get your feet moving during any workout.

5. Jump – Van Halen (1984, 1984)

“Jump” by Van Halen is an iconic 80s rock anthem. Featured on their 1984 album ‘1984,’ this song’s energetic melody and soaring guitar riffs will power up your workout session.

6. Girls Just Want to Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper (She’s So Unusual, 1983)

This catchy and empowering song by Cyndi Lauper comes from her 1983 album ‘She’s So Unusual.’ “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” is an upbeat track that’ll brighten up your workout routine.

7. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey (Escape, 1981)

Journey’s classic “Don’t Stop Believin'” hails from their 1981 album ‘Escape.’ This inspiring song, with its uplifting message and powerful melody, is perfect for staying motivated during your workout.

8. Let’s Get Physical – Olivia Newton-John (Physical, 1981)

Olivia Newton-John’s “Let’s Get Physical” is the ultimate 80s workout song. Released in 1981 on her album ‘Physical,’ this track embodies the era’s fitness craze with its catchy beats and sultry vocals.

9. Whip It – Devo (Freedom of Choice, 1980)

Devo’s “Whip It” from their 1980 album ‘Freedom of Choice’ is an innovative and catchy tune. Its blend of electronic beats and new wave sound will energize your workout session.

10. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson (Thriller, 1982)

“Billie Jean,” one of Michael Jackson’s most iconic songs, comes from his 1982 album ‘Thriller.’ This timeless track features a mesmerizing beat that’s perfect for getting your groove on.

11. The Final Countdown – Europe (The Final Countdown, 1986)

Europe’s power ballad “The Final Countdown” is an 80s classic. The epic melody and triumphant atmosphere, featured on their 1986 album ‘The Final Countdown,’ make it a great addition to your workout playlist.

12. Walk This Way – Run-D.M.C. (Raising Hell, 1986) [Continued]

Run-D.M.C.’s innovative rendition of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” comes from their 1986 album ‘Raising Hell.’ This groundbreaking collaboration fuses hip-hop and rock, creating an energetic workout track.

13. Hit Me With Your Best Shot – Pat Benatar (Crimes of Passion, 1980)

Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” is a powerful anthem from her 1980 album ‘Crimes of Passion.’ With its catchy melody and empowering lyrics, this track will inspire you to give your workout your all.

14. Call Me – Blondie (American Gigolo, 1980)

Blondie’s “Call Me” is a pulsating track from the 1980 film ‘American Gigolo.’ The driving beat and Debbie Harry’s sultry vocals make this song an energizing addition to your workout playlist.

15. Love Shack – The B-52’s (Cosmic Thing, 1989)

The B-52’s “Love Shack” from their 1989 album ‘Cosmic Thing’ is a feel-good, danceable tune. This party anthem, with its quirky lyrics and infectious groove, will get you moving during any workout.

16. Take on Me – A-ha (Hunting High and Low, 1985)

“Take on Me” by A-ha, from their 1985 album ‘Hunting High and Low,’ is a synth-pop masterpiece. The catchy melody and iconic high notes make it an exciting choice for your workout playlist.

17. Pump Up the Volume – M|A|R|R|S (Pump Up the Volume, 1987)

M|A|R|R|S’s 1987 single “Pump Up the Volume” is a dance classic that encourages you to turn up the music and get moving. The infectious beat and catchy samples will boost your workout energy.

18. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen (Born to Run, 1975)

Although released in 1975, Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” is an essential track for any 80s-inspired workout playlist. From the album of the same name, this energizing anthem will keep you running and motivated.

19. Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics (Sweet Dreams, 1983)

The Eurythmics’ hypnotic hit “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” comes from their 1983 album ‘Sweet Dreams.’ The memorable synth riff and Annie Lennox’s captivating vocals make this track perfect for your workout.

20. We Built This City – Starship (Knee Deep in the Hoopla, 1985)

Starship’s “We Built This City” from their 1985 album ‘Knee Deep in the Hoopla’ is a classic rock anthem. Its catchy chorus and energizing melody will keep you going during your workout.

21. Hungry Like the Wolf – Duran Duran (Rio, 1982)

Duran Duran’s “Hungry Like the Wolf” comes from their 1982 album ‘Rio.’ This new wave hit, with its driving beat and memorable lyrics, is an excellent choice for your workout playlist.

22. Celebration – Kool & the Gang (Celebrate!, 1980)

“Celebration” by Kool & the Gang, from their 1980 album ‘Celebrate!,’ is a feel-good disco hit. Its infectious groove and uplifting lyrics will get you moving and smiling during your workout.

23. I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston (Whitney, 1987)

Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” from her 1987 album ‘Whitney’ is a timeless pop hit. The upbeat tempo, catchy melody, and Whitney’s powerful vocals make this track an irresistible choice for your workout.

24. Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses (Appetite for Destruction, 1987)

Guns N’ Roses’ “Welcome to the Jungle” is a hard-rocking anthem from their 1987 debut album ‘Appetite for Destruction.’ The raw energy and powerful guitar riffs will fuel your workout and keep you motivated.

25. Tainted Love – Soft Cell (Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret, 1981)

“Tainted Love” by Soft Cell, from their 1981 album ‘Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret,’ is a synth-pop classic. Its infectious beat and captivating vocals make this track perfect for adding some intensity to your workout.

26. It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls (Success, 1982)

The Weather Girls’ “It’s Raining Men” comes from their 1982 album ‘Success.’ This feel-good disco hit, with its lively beat and catchy chorus, will have you dancing your way through your workout.

27. Beat It – Michael Jackson (Thriller, 1982)

Another iconic Michael Jackson hit, “Beat It,” hails from his 1982 album ‘Thriller.’ The driving rhythm, memorable guitar solo, and infectious melody make this track a must-have for your 80s workout playlist.

Fun Facts: Best Workout Songs From the 80s

Fun Fact: Eye of the Tiger – Survivor

“Eye of the Tiger” was written specifically for the movie ‘Rocky III’ after Sylvester Stallone requested a song from Survivor to replace Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” as the film’s theme.

Fun Fact: Footloose – Kenny Loggins

The town in the movie ‘Footloose,’ where dancing was banned, was actually inspired by a real town named Elmore City, Oklahoma. In this town, dancing was banned until 1980 when the ban was lifted for a high school prom.

Fun Fact: Jump – Van Halen

“Jump” was Van Halen’s first and only number one single in the United States. David Lee Roth, the band’s lead singer, was inspired to write the lyrics after watching a news report about a man threatening to jump off a building.

Fun Fact: Girls Just Want to Have Fun – Cyndi Lauper

“Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was originally written and recorded by Robert Hazard in 1979. However, it was Cyndi Lauper’s version that made the song a feminist anthem and turned it into a worldwide hit.

Fun Fact: Billie Jean – Michael Jackson

“Billie Jean” was the first music video by a Black artist to receive heavy rotation on MTV. The video’s innovative use of visual effects, such as the light-up sidewalk, contributed to its widespread popularity and influence.

Fun Fact: Take on Me – A-ha

“Take on Me” by A-ha is not only famous for its catchy tune but also for its groundbreaking music video. The video combined live-action footage with pencil-sketch animation, which was a pioneering technique at the time.

Fun Fact: Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics

The music video for “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This)” features a cow. The cow was not planned to be in the video but happened to wander onto the set during the shoot, and the band decided to include it in the final cut.

Fun Fact: It’s Raining Men – The Weather Girls

“It’s Raining Men” was originally offered to several high-profile artists like Diana Ross, Cher, and Donna Summer, who all turned it down. The song eventually found its way to The Weather Girls, and it became their biggest hit.

That’s a wrap, folks! Time to lace up those sneakers and pump up the volume with these 80s workout hits. Get ready to groove, sweat, and feel the nostalgia!

Thanks for reading.

TBone