Build A Playlist Arc

Order matters as much as the songs. Shape your playlist like the workout itself.

Open with moderate-tempo tracks to warm up. Climb to your highest-energy songs for the hardest stretch, when you need the biggest distraction from fatigue. Then ease into slower music to cool down and let your heart rate settle.

Lyrics can reinforce that arc. Words about overcoming and strength add motivation on top of the rhythm, so save your most inspiring anthems for peak effort.