Recommended songs for aerobics: music that fits exercise
What kind of background music do you listen to when you exercise at the gym?
Most people probably listen to their favorite songs, but there are times when it just doesn’t feel quite right, aren’t there?
And you don’t have time to keep searching for songs either…
In those moments, try choosing BGM that matches the tempo of your training!
Look for tracks that match the pace at which you work out.
We’ve carefully selected popular songs and themes inspired by aerobics and workouts based on our research!
Recommended songs for aerobics. Music that suits exercise (1–10)
SatisfactionBenny Benassi
The techno track “Satisfaction,” which became a global hit in the 2000s, was mixed in at pretty much every club back then.
It has a rather heavy bass, but it’s not overwhelmingly heavy, making it an exceptionally easy track to listen to.
TOKYO GIRLPerfume
When you’re doing a slightly more intense workout, I also recommend listening to Perfume’s “TOKYO GIRL.” It’s an electronic track, and the build-up leading into the chorus has an EDM-like feel that boosts your energy and helps you get into the exercise.
The chorus isn’t overly fast and keeps a steady beat, so you can stay focused without losing your rhythm.
Plus, if you’re training at the gym, being surrounded by the latest machines makes Perfume’s futuristic sound feel like a perfect fit.
STAY TUNESuchmos
Despite being a rock band, Suchmos make you dance with the funkiness of Tokyo nights.
Their refined musicianship and keen sense of style blend into a bouncy, comfortable sound that I think is perfect for aerobics.
It’s a groovy track that’ll have you moving before you know it, making it easy to enjoy working out.
The provocative chorus hook and the thrilling developments in the latter half of the song are sure to lift your energy.
It’s exhilarating and an excellent track to move your body to in time with the music.
Paradise BabyRIP SLYME
With its refreshingly crisp bossa nova guitar tone, this is RIP SLYME’s “Rakuen Baby.” It’s a great pick for anyone who wants aerobics-friendly BGM but isn’t into intense techno-style dance music.
Since it uses the sounds of live instruments, it won’t get noisily electronic.
That said, it never turns somber either—the song keeps a just-right level of energy, helping you stay motivated during your workout.
Plus, the lyrics might even put you in the mood for love, which could give you that extra push to stick with your diet or strength training!
Fortune Cookie in LoveAKB48
“Koi Suru Fortune Cookie” is one of AKB48’s signature songs, known for its easy-to-dance chorus choreography and its catchy, poppy sound.
I’m sure most people have seen or heard it at least once in the media.
With its upbeat tempo and broad appeal across ages and genders, it might be great for workouts, too! In particular, it’s perfect for gentle exercises that involve moving the body slowly, rather than intense workouts—ideal for families with children or for older adults.
Lose ControlMeduza, Becky Hill, Goodboys
The dance track that became a huge hit in 2019, ‘Lose Control.’ It made waves because Becky Hill and Meduza collaborated on it.
It’s a fantastic piece that showcases Becky Hill’s vocals while delivering a deep, polished sound.
Don’t Start NowDua Lipa
If you want to enjoy aerobics with high energy, I recommend “Don’t Start Now.” The strong bassline makes it incredibly groovy.
For aerobics, where a good sense of rhythm is key, Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now” is an excellent choice.
international studentMONKEY MAJIK × Okazaki Taiiku
The collaboration track “Ryugakusei” by MONKEY MAJIK—who shot to fame with the theme song “Around The World” for the drama Saiyuki—and Okazaki Taiiku, who is popular among young people for his comical, relatable lyrics and amusing music videos, is a dance number where English and Japanese lyrics that sound like English (soramimi) come off as stylish.
Rather than forcing yourself through grueling workouts, why not try enjoying yourself and forgetting the time and the pain with a dance track like this one?
Goodbye HappinessUtada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada, Japan’s proud queen of R&B.
Her heartrending ballads are wonderful, but she’s also released plenty of danceable tracks.
Among them, the one I’m introducing today is “Goodbye Happiness.” Released in 2010, its catchy chorus will stick in your head after just one listen.
The steady, driving drumbeat makes it perfect for exercise, too! The tempo isn’t too fast or too slow—just right for getting your body moving.
Stand by MeKan & D.O
Stand By Me is a collaboration between rapper D.O, who’s active mainly in Nerima, and rapper Kan a.k.a.
GAMI, who’s based around Shinjuku.
There’s nothing particularly unusual about the track or the flow, but the lyrics are crafted to be emotional.
It’s a perfect song for those who want to boost their focus through the lyrics.