The power of music in workouts: boosting motivation for neurodivergent people

As we all know, music is crucial when it comes to crushing your workouts, especially for my neurodivergent queens out there.

The science is simple—music can help regulate your pace, amp up your motivation, and make your workouts feel way more engaging.

Naturally, we all need different things from our workouts and our workout playlists. By harnessing music’s power and considering our neurodiversity, we can take it to the next level.

Research has found that for some autistic people, slow songs around 60-80 BPM can work wonders to keep you focused and grooving. Try tracks like "Weightless" by Marconi Union or some chill nature sounds. These types of tracks are known for their calming effects and can help with sensory regulation, making workouts a more pleasant experience.

For those with ADHD, high-energy bangers in the 120-140 BPM range might be more effective. Classics like "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor or "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars can give you that extra push. Fast-paced music can help in channeling hyperactivity into productive energy, keeping you engaged and motivated throughout your workout.

For others, including people with dyslexia, instrumental music can help streamline workouts and block out distractions. Why not give it a go and see if this helps, try: "Night Owl" by Galimatias for something mellow and electronic, or "Derezzed" by Daft Punk which is more fast-paced and motivating.

Everyone’s different, so the key is finding music that speaks to you and your workout style. Experiment with different genres, tempos, and volumes until you land on that perfect playlist. And don't be afraid to mix it up—sometimes you need a slow burner to regulate your pace, other times an absolute banger to take your workout to the next level.

Oh, and one more pro tip—grab a workout buddy! Having that extra support and motivation can be game-changing, especially for ADHD who might struggle to stay focused. A friend can help keep you on track and make workouts more enjoyable.

Playlist recommendations

Here are some suggested tracks to get you started:

60-80 BPM:

  • "Weightless" by Marconi Union - Known for its scientifically proven calming effects.

  • "Pure Shores" by All Saints - A relaxing tune with a gentle tempo.

  • "Electra" by Airstream - Soothing instrumental perfect for focus.

  • "Bliss" by Moby - Ambient and calming.

  • "La Femme D'Argent" by Air - Chill and rhythmic.

  • "Ambre" by Nils Frahm - Calming piano piece.

  • "Sunset Lover" by Petit Biscuit - Chill electronic vibes.

  • "Night Owl" by Galimatias - Smooth and mellow.

  • "Pacific Coast Highway" by Tycho - Relaxing instrumental with a steady beat.

  • "Weightless Pt. 2" by Marconi Union - Another track from the same series for consistent calming effects.

120-140 BPM:

  • "Eye of the Tiger" by Survivor - Classic motivational anthem.

  • "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars - Upbeat and energetic.

  • "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen - High-energy and fun.

  • "Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Fast-paced and invigorating.

  • "Titanium" by David Guetta ft. Sia - Energetic with powerful vocals.

  • "Stronger" by Kanye West - Motivating with a driving beat.

  • "Party Rock Anthem" by LMFAO - Danceable and high-energy.

  • "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift - Upbeat and catchy.

  • "Wake Me Up" by Avicii - Uplifting and fast-paced.

  • "Roar" by Katy Perry - Empowering and energetic.

Instrumental:

  • "Weightless" by Marconi Union - A scientifically proven calming track.

  • "Electra" by Airstream - Smooth and relaxing.

  • "Bliss" by Moby - Ambient and soothing.

  • "La Femme D'Argent" by Air - Gentle and rhythmic.

  • "Ambre" by Nils Frahm - Calming piano melody.

  • "Clubbed to Death" by Rob Dougan - Intense and driving.

  • "Sandstorm" by Darude - High-energy electronic classic.

  • "Derezzed" by Daft Punk - Fast-paced and motivating.

  • "Cobra" by Hardwell - Energetic and powerful.

  • "Adagio for Strings" by Tiesto - Uplifting and intense.

The right playlist can make all the difference in your workout routine. Whether you’re neurodivergent or not, finding music that resonates with you, in our opinion can enhance just about everything in life, especially workouts. Let us know what you think; we always need new recommendations for our playlists too, so feel free to send some our way!