If you need some new music for your workout or fitness regime, then look no further than Disney. Packed full of inspiring and uplifting soundtracks, there’s something here to suit every type of exercise… and keep you moving, right up until the end.
So which of these Disney songs is going to make YOUR fitness playlist?
1) I Can Go The Distance - Hercules
Best for:
Jogging, warm ups / warm downs.
Why we love it:
This tune is all about believing in yourself - and finding that sense of inner strength to help you achieve your dreams. It’s also got a steady tempo, which means you can use it to time yourself as you start off on a gentle jog - or to cool you down after a workout. Plus we LOVE that crescendo at the end… you’ll feel awesome when you hit it!
2) Make A Man Out Of You - Mulan
Best for:
LITERALLY ANYTHING!!!
Why we love it:
Erm, because it’s awesome?
No, but seriously, this tempo is perfect for any workout - and the message is a powerful one. Because Shang’s right; once you find your centre, you are sure to win!
All together now? BE A MAAAAAAAAN!!!
3) Zero To Hero - Hercules
Best for:
Fast-paced workouts, such as circuit training, spin bikes, aerobics, or running.
Why we love it:
Well, there’s no point denying that this is THE song for anyone who’s on a serious fitness kick; those powerhouse vocals will keep you on your feet for the whole workout, plus the tempo is seriously quick, which should push you to work harder than ever.
It’s one of our workout playlist heroes, that’s for sure!
4) Try Everything - Zootropolis
Best for:
Jogging, hiking, weightlifting, cross-trainers, anything
Why we love it:
“I won’t give up, no, I won’t give in until I reach the end… then I’ll start again!”
If you need a bit of a mood booster during your workout, this is ideal; it reminds you that there’s no such thing as failure, because life is all about doing your best.
And that steady tempo? Ideal for cardio and weights, as it’s a rhythm that you can easily keep up with. Hurray!
5) Touch The Sky - Brave
Best for:
Running, cycling, cardio
Why we love it:
Firstly, it’s just an epic tune. Secondly, it’s got a great, steady tempo, which builds over time. And, thirdly, it’s going to inspire you to be brave and go for that first run, or cycle, or weights class - because you CAN touch the sky, if you only try!
6) Be Prepared - Lion King
Best for:
Warm ups / warm downs
Why we love it:
Scar may be a villain, but he puts on a damn good show - and this song has a decent beat to follow along to. It starts slow, and garners pace over time - which is exactly what you need for a warm up or warm down.
Don’t blame us if you suddenly feel the urge to overthrow your nearest monarch, mind you. We frown upon treason and regicide.
7) Let It Go - Frozen
Best for:
Jogging, walking, slower-paced workouts
Why we love it:
Did you really just ask us that? It’s FROZEN - duh!
It’s also pretty empowering, with a slow and steady pace that builds up throughout, making it a winner for any queens just starting out on their fitness journey.
Plus, if you’re outdoors and it’s a little chilly?
The cold will never bother you, anyway.
8) One Jump - Aladdin
Best for:
Cardio, circuit training, jogging, cycling
Why we love it:
You’ve gotta stay one jump ahead of the slowpokes… and who better to help you do that than Aladdin, eh?
This song's got a pretty quick tempo, without being TOO fast, and it has a fun speed-up element towards the end. Which means you can push yourself to the limit and outrun those palace guards right along with Prince Ali!
9) When Will My Life Begin - Tangled
Best for:
Any workout, really - although we love it for a jog in the great outdoors!
Why we love it:
This one will wake you up for your early morning start, no question about it - and it maintains its achievable pace throughout. Plus Rapunzel is, like, the biggest dreamer out there - and she’ll encourage you to get out of that rut and start running towards your own fitness goals.
That’s why she’s our golden girl!
10) Gaston - Beauty & The Beast
Best for:
Weight training, jogging, cycling… whatever!
Why we love it:
“As a specimen, yes, I’m intimidating!”
Gaston may be the worst boyfriend option ever, but he sure knows how to stay in shape. And this little ditty from the classic Disney fairytale always gets us up 'n' moving…
And, y'know, it’s undeniably fun to compete against those iconic biceps, isn’t it?
11) A Girl Worth Fighting For - Mulan
Best for:
Something that requires a slow and steady pace (think sit-ups, press-ups and the like!)
Why we love it:
Honestly, Mulan knows her workout songs - and this one’s perfect for people doing slower-paced strength exercises. Trust us.
12) Dig A Little Deeper - The Princess & The Frog
Best for:
Dance training, aerobics, jogging, cycling
Why we love it:
Mama Odie sure knows how to get toes tapping everywhere - and this song's insatiable energy is impossible to ignore. You’ll find yourself bouncing along to that beat in no time… not to mention noticing all those blue skies and sunshine!
And, while it might not be the song you wanted, it's definitely the song you NEED.
Yeah, we went there.
13) Colours of The Wind - Pocahontas
Best for:
Yoga, pilates, jogging, hiking
Why we love it:
This song is gentle enough to be background music for yoga and pilates, yet it's still got a steady beat that you can pound pavements to. Throw in the fact that it reminds you to care for the world around you, and you'll be singing with all the voices of the mountain in no time.
14) Topsy Turvy - Hunchback Of Notre Dame
Best for:
Fast-paced workouts
Why we love it:
This one is seriously speedy, so approach with caution; you don’t want to be attempting a gentle jog with this in the background, or you’ll wind up burning out too fast - like a total King of Fools. Think HIIT workouts and sprints, but only if you’re feeling BRAVE!
15) I Wan’na Be Like You - Jungle Book
Best for:
Running, cycling, dancing
Why we love it:
Let King Louis set the pace for you on your workout and we promise he won’t make a monkey outta you.
16) Almost There - Princess & The Frog
Best for:
That final big push - or a warm up!
Why we love it:
Great pace AND great lyrics, this song will help keep you moving until you reach the finish line - or, alternatively, get you warmed up ready for your big workout.
As Tiana puts it - you’re almost there, kid!
17) Just Around The Riverbend - Pocahontas
Best for:
A fast-paced workout
Why we love it:
As Pocahontas herself admits, there’s nothing steady about this song at all. But it’s great for giving you a boost when you’re flagging, and it'll definitely drive you to find out what’s around the riverbend!
18) I Just Can’t Wait To Be King - The Lion Ling
Best for:
Jogging, dancing, cardio
Why we love it:
This Disney song has an AMAZING beat and tempo, making it perfect for most workouts - although there's a danger you'll wind up singing along at the top of your lungs.
Which is fine and all... but a tad embarrassing when you're at the gym.
19) 1-2-1 - The Goofy Movie
Best for:
Aerobics, spinning, fast-paced workouts
Why we love it:
This song is one of the most overlooked Disney tunes out there, but that catchy 80s beat is a winner when it comes to injecting some energy into your workout.
20) Bring Honour To Us All - Mulan
Best for:
Jogging, steady-paced workouts
Why we love it:
What did we tell you about Mulan? This action hero has plenty of workout songs under her belt - and this tune, with its steady beat, is easy to jog along to without losing your puff.
21) Under The Sea - Little Mermaid
Best for:
Running, aerobics, aqua aerobics!
Why we love it:
It’s a bit speedy for jogging, but if you’re an experienced runner you may want to give Sebastian’s tune a go. Otherwise that fun pace and beat is perfectly suited to an energetic aerobics workout (whether you're in the water or on solid ground!).
22) Two Worlds - Tarzan
Best for:
Any workout!
Why we love it:
It’s those drums, damn it; they lure us in, convince us to try our best, and make us feel like we could just grab a jungle vine and swing off into a world of adventure.
You can find a pace to suit you here (whether working to the beat or Phil’s sultry vocals) and you’ll feel seriously empowered when you raise your head up and see the finish line is in sight!
23) Perfect World - The Emperor’s New Groove
Best for:
Any workout - although we suggest a cardio-based one!
Why we love it:
Tom Jones provided the power vocals for this Disney film, so it’s guaranteed to help you find your groove.
24) On My Way - Brother Bear
Best for:
Jogging, steady-paced workouts
Why we love it:
Tell everybody you’re on your way, and you’re loving every step you take, because this steady and uplifting tune will help you find your inner strength and pace. Winner!
25) A Star Is Born - Hercules
Best for:
That final push!
Why we love it:
You’ve done it - you’ve finished your cycle, jog, or workout session, and you’re feeling awesome. So why not let someone tell you that you’re a star, eh?
Which of these Disney workout songs is YOUR favourite?
Let us know via Facebook or Twitter (@CloserOnline) now.