Let's be honest, working out is not at the top of most of our to-do lists. No matter what time of day, what kind of weather, or what mood you might be in, it's almost never easy to get up the motivation required to go outside or get yourself to a gym for what's sure to be a less than fun chunk of your day. However, a common way to combat the workout blues is to listen to music, an idea that provides us with the opportunity to share some of our favorite motivational albums.
The following ten albums range in genre, message, and tempo, but all are sure to help you fight through whatever obstacles may pass before you.
Jet - Get Born
This rock 'n roll album that is just that - rock 'n roll. Get Born is nothing too sophisticated; just high-energy chords and riffs to make that little voice in your head tell you to tear right through any goal you may have set for the day, month, or year.
Dum Dum Girls - Only in Dreams
While Only In Dreams is a little more melancholy, it is perfect for a mid-fall jog through the city. This album provides even-paced material to keep you on track with any type of endurance or distance training.
Gorillaz - Demon Days
The Gorillaz' Demon Days is oddly reminiscent of an audible collage; layering both electronic and classic instruments over vocals. At times slower-paced but incredibly passionate, the entire album is sure to keep you on target, no matter the exercise.
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Mosquito
Not for the faint of heart, Mosquito provides an album that not only fulfills the need for high-paced music to set your workout to, but a little background anger to add a little edgy motivation to grind through the last few sets of extreme repetitions.
Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
The composition of the album transcends strict interpretation and is perfect for doing anything outdoors and observing the ever-changing scenery around you; be it walking, running, or biking, this album will follow alongside you on your journey.
Black Keys - El Camino
Opening with rapid-paced "Lonely Boy," The Black Keys' most recent album continues on, filled with tracks harboring the intensity and rhythm necessary to keep up with and pass the person in front of you.
MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
The combination of vocal talent and unique usage of various instruments promises an album that will take you through the highs and lows of any workout. Never dull, each song has its own personality that maintains the enthusiasm of the artists and the listeners.
Beastie Boys - Licensed to Ill
A true original, Licensed to Ill first dropped as an album that smashed apart the stereotypes of the music industry. Years later, tracks such as "Fight For Your Right" and "No Sleep Till Brooklyn" are sure amp up your energy and carry you through any high-intensity work out.
Kings of Leon - Only By the Night
Similar to Jet in that The Kings of Leon strive to bring rock 'n roll back to its roots, Only By the Night has a classic facade. However, upon deeper listening, deep drums and bass beats provide a more powerful experience to train with.
Fitz and The Tantrums - Pickin' Up The Pieces
A modern album with a more retro vibe, Pickin' Up The Pieces has an upbeat and cheerful tempo to combat those dreaded mid-workout slumps in motivation.
