![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/merachfit.com\/cdn\/shop\/articles\/3-3.jpg?v=1704366966&width=2048\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nMatch the tempo to the workout<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Tempo is one of the most important elements when choosing music for workout videos, but it\u2019s not just about beats per minute (BPM), it\u2019s also about how the rhythm feels<\/em>. For example, Trap or Drill beats, while traditionally slow (on average 70-80bpm) often use double-time hi-hat patterns that create a fast, driving energy. This makes them especially effective for high-intensity workouts, strength training, and HIIT sessions. The rapid rhythmic movement naturally encourages faster reps, sharper movements, and a greater sense of urgency. By adjusting the tempos of the tracks you use you can directly influence the levels of movement within the workout. Often choosing tracks that feel<\/em> fast can push energy levels without overwhelming your audience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your music choices should reflect both your workout style and your personal brand. Look at the audience you are aiming to target. Use music choices that aline with that demographic. For instance, you might not want to use light bouncy pop music if you are aiming content at 20 yr old male body builders. Or gangsta rap if you are doing Tai Chi classes for over 60’s<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also worth keeping an eye on trending music genres. Using sounds that audiences are already engaging with can help your content feel current, relevant, and critically, more shareable. This is especially the case on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, the ever trending, “phonk” <\/strong>style of Hip-Hop has surged in popularity across fitness and motivational content thanks to it’s aggressive energy. Phonk\u2019s sonic qualities of deep 808 basslines, rhythmic momentum, and a somewhat dark or cinematic tone, can stimulate the brain in ways that align with intense physical activity. In fact, working out has even inspired a very intense modern variant of phonk called \u201cgym phonk\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But phonk is just one of many affective genre pairings. Pumping EDM has long been a stalwart of Workout and fitness videos. Who can forget the memorable video to the Eric Prydz track “Call on me”? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Staying aware of trending sounds, while still maintaining consistency with your brand, helps your videos connect with audiences and keeps your content feeling fresh and relevant. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lyrics can be powerful, but they can also be distracting, especially if you\u2019re giving verbal instructions in your videos. Instrumental tracks or music with minimal vocals are considered the safest option for fitness content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you do use vocals, make sure they don\u2019t clash with your voiceover or pull focus away from cues and demonstrations. It can work well to have a motivational vocal part i.e “work that body” but consider editing the music track so the lyrics do not clash with the instructions. Clear instruction should always come first.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Think of music as part of your workout programming. Use different tracks or sections to signal transitions. For example, switching to a higher-energy track for the main set, then something calmer for the cool-down. This helps guide viewers through the session and keeps them mentally engaged. Copyright issues can quickly derail even the most motivational content. While tempting, using popular commercial music without permission or proper licensing can lead to muted videos, takedowns, or demonetisation. TikTok is the one exception to this rule allowing you to choose from its library of published pre-cleared music. But bare in mind, you will have to produce an alternative version with copyright safe music if you plan to post on other platforms. And that’s a lot of extra work!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is a general guide to tempo when applied to workout content:<\/p>\n\n\n\nChoose a genre that fits your brand, audience and workout.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"\/](\"https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/qetW6R9Jxs4\/hq720.jpg?sqp=-oaymwEhCK4FEIIDSFryq4qpAxMIARUAAAAAGAElAADIQj0AgKJD&rs=AOn4CLD9paT0KUoykgEczxW7OFTy0PoR3Q\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Here are some more effective genre pairings to get you going. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAvoid lyrics that distract<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Build energy by structuring the music<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For smooth transitions, if your music tracks are to be continuous without gaps in between, always cut and bring in the new track on the beat. You can even try dropping a sound effect over the link to help accentuate it. i.e a whoosh or crowd cheer. The way the tracks work together should sound seemless and not distract from the overall workout. <\/p>\n\n\n\nMusic Sourcing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/storage.googleapis.com\/routenote-licensing-blog\/2025\/12\/2a7a1318-home-screen-1024x538.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n