Let’s face it. Even athletes love to get their groove on. From the volleyball teams’ flash mob dance alongside “What Is Love” by Haddaway to last year’s football state champions making a music video to Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream”, Palo Alto High School athletes pump up their energy through music.
But maybe lately you’ve found that the songs on your iPod are sounding more like “Friday” by Rebecca Black than something that really gets you pumped. Whether you listen to music blasting over the loud speakers in the gym or play it on your iPod while you run, consider adding the top ten songs The Viking picked to spice up your playlist.
1. ‘Til I Collapse’ by Eminem
Pretty much anything by Eminem could make it to the top of The Viking’s pump up play list, including “Not Afraid”, “Lose Yourself” or Bad Meets Evil’s “Life In the Fast Lane”. But this 2002 song is the classic Marshall Mathers we all know and love. It has everything a great warm-up jam should have: a good beat, sick lyrics, and some additional vocals from Nate Dogg. We love everything about this song, including the intense build up. If you want to hear 50 Cent and Tupac drop a verse in this song, check out the remix.
2. ‘Let’s Get Ready to Rumble’ from Jock Jams
Two words: instant classic. This throwback warm-up song was on the original Jock Jams album in 1985, but that doesn’t make it any less catchy when you’re exercising to the beat. So grab your short shorts and your high socks. This song is still awesome.
3. ‘Riot Maker’ by Tech N9ne
If you don’t have any Tech N9ne on your iPod, you’re going to cause a riot. This sweet song is like a combination of rock and rap all mixed into one. It’s the peanut butter and jelly sandwich of music, and The Viking thinks you should take a bite.
4. ‘In the End’ by Linkin Park
Next time you’re about to head to practice or go on a run, definitely put this song on play. It will get your blood pumping and make you perform the best you ever have. Ok, maybe not. But in the end, it won’t even matter because you’ll have a great song to listen to.
5. ‘Moves Like Jagger’ by Maroon 5
Sure, Maroon 5 has come up with some slow, laid-back tunes in the past like “She Will Be Loved” and “Sunday Morning”. But this single featuring Christina Agueilera is fast-paced and will be sure to get you moving like… well… you know.
6. ‘Headstrong’ by Trapt
If you find that most of your pump up songs are rap or pop, try dipping a toe into the river of rock songs out there. This 2002 single is a head-banger that will surely mess up your hair before any upcoming sports you have.
7. ‘Remember the Name’ by Fort Minor
The lyrics of this 2005 hit being with “You ready? Let’s go!” Everything in this song will get you pumped from the beat, to the rapping, to those fun percentages. Fort Minor will give you 100% reason to remember this song.8. ‘300 Violin Orchestra’ by Jorge Quintero
There’s no law that says that pump up songs have to have sick lyrics. This absolutely epic beat will not only get your blood boiling, but probably cause you to want to go out and buy yourself a nice violin as well.
9. ‘All I Do Is Win’ by DJ Khaled
Who likes to sing about losing? Not us! Put your hands up because this song will put you in a “refuse to lose” mentality before any game.
10. ‘I’ll Make a Man Out of You’ from Mulan
If Mulan doesn’t get you pumped, who will? This epic song from the 1998 movie is a crowd pleaser and an easy sing-along tune that will get you in the mindset to defeat any opponent, including the Huns.