10 Great Punk Workout songs

Updated after being originally published in February 2014

I really punk rock. But one of the problems I find when I Google ‘Best Workout Songs’ most of these lists have lots of hip-hop, rock, dance, but lack a bit of Punk. So I decided to put together a list of some of the songs that I really like.

With its short songs, fast beats per minute, catchy guitar and motivational lyrics I am surprised that more punk songs are not recommended.

If you have any suggestions to these 10 great workout songs, please leave a comment below.

Here are ten of my recommendations to start a punk rock training playlist.

1) Champion – Promise Kept

Promises Kept by Champion is a great way to start your punk rock playlist. With the slow building introduction that blasts into life, I think this track is perfect for warming up, into a faster training pace.

2) Reel Big Fish – Take on me

Probably the greatest punk cover ever, Reel Big Fish covering an A-Ha song guarantees catchy lyrics, awesome trumpets to keep you motivated and a song so upbeat you might find yourself skanking between sets.

3) Nofx – Lineoleum

A nice quick song, that is so full of energy that you’ll be able to blast out the reps

4) Teenage Bottlerocket – Bigger than Kiss

Teenage Bottlerocket are punk rock orbiters, recognised as being good but not getting the respect on the level of other punk bands. They really do deserve to be Bigger than Kiss, this song is so good at pumping you up on the pull-up bar I just leave it on repeat until I move on.

Have a look at Teenage Bottle Rocket albums – they do some fast Ramones-esque songs that are a fantastic workout.

5) Agnostic Front – Blitzkrieg Bop

Speaking of the Ramones, I will probably get crap from the punk rock purists, who will wonder why I didn’t go for the Ramones original. I prefer this Agnostic Front take on it as it’s faster, louder, and with more powerful vocals, I have pulled off a few personal bests with this song in the background!

6) Refused – New Noise

If you’re reading this and think punk is all power chord bullshit I recommend you check out Refused, who are respected in the punk community for their innovation.

Their album the Shape of Punk to come feels like something ahead of its time. Anyway New Noise is the ‘big’ track from that album, this goes the route of gentle build toexplosion approach.

With awesome guitar hooks and screaming vocals, this one made me nearly shit myself once, when I accidentally turned the volume full blast.

7) Social Distortion – Ball and Chain

Some may be surprised at this choice, it’s a bit more mellow compared to the other tracks, but the lyrics are great, a good ‘reflection’ song to use as you are coming to the end of your workout or stretching out.

8) Filaments – Tale from the barside

The Filaments did a catchy, fast song, this was inspired by cockney pub sing alongs around the piano. As a result this song is great to use on runs or in the gym, just try to resist doing air guitar on the solo.

9) Sham 69 – If the Kids are united

I feel I neglected the UK punk scene, but I feel that is due to the decline in acts being promoted on record labels, with the UK alternative scene seeming to prefer metal. This is a great song, with a sing-along chorus that makes you wish it was 1977 again.

10) Bouncing Souls – Gasoline

I couldn’t finish my playlist off without my beloved Bouncing Souls, their motivating songs about friendship have got me through some tough times.

Gasoline is my favourite Souls song for gym training, capturing that spirit of doing things for yourself:

Somebody’s prayin’
Take anything you want
Just don’t show me who I am

There you go, those are my ten favourite punk-rock training tracks that I use for my workouts. I have many more songs that I listen to, if you would like to read more let me know or visit here for more of my suggestions