On a scale from Taylor Swift to Ozzy Osbourne, we can only hope that your workout playlist falls toward the latter. But, if you're not familiar with the face-shredding guitar riffs of '80s metal bands, your workout music needs an upgrade.
Push past poppy tunes, break out your leather lifting gloves, and get ready to head bang your way to PR glory. Take a gander at this list that’s sure to help you delve into the pits of hard core metal and rip that bar from the ground.
These 16 songs encapsulate the era and the sound. For best results, play music loudly.
And feel free to rock out on the air guitar between sets.
Metallica, "Master Of Puppets"
via Warner Music Group
Let this heavy metal riff empower you to smash PRs, destroy your muscles, and make them obey their master. Remember, you pull the strings.
Metallica, "One"
via Warner Music Group
Even if you're having the worst day ever, it's got to be better than this guy's. Push through the pain, fight the stifling silence, and scream your way through that last rep. Don't forget to go full-on air guitar during that sweet riff.
Metallica, "For Whom the Bell Tolls"
via Sony Music Entertainment / RED Distribution
Their lyrics are great, but it's the power of the guitar, the texture of the music that makes Metallica an essential part of any workout playlist. We'll let you in on a little secret: the bell tolls for the workout you're about to kill!
Guns N' Roses, "Welcome To The Jungle"
via Universal Music Group
Welcome to the weight jungle. Swing from the bars, sling around barbells, and be prepared to bear crawl your way through cardio hell, baby.
Motörhead, "Ace Of Spades"
via Universal Music Group
Kick your training off with this fast-paced song and you've already secured a winning hand. Train hard, up the ante, but be sure to take pleasure in the moment. Do this, and you'll come out on top. Aces!
Iron Maiden, "The Number of the Beast"
via EMI
You need a song for beast mode motivation? There's no better choice than this Iron Maiden classic hit. Work on your shred while you listen to some '80s metal guitar shred.
Iron Maiden "Hallowed Be Thy Name"
via EMI
We dare you to use this song as a measuring tool for your fitness feats. Can you make a set of squats last seven minutes? We dare you to try it.
Slayer, "Raining Blood"
via Universal Music Group
No matter how hard you try, you'll never achieve the head-banging badassness that is Slayer's legacy. You can, however, create your own awesome legacy—start with lifting heavy weight!
Judas Priest, "Breaking the Law"
via Sony Music Entertainment
Take a leaf out of Judas Priest's book and start breaking the laws...of genetics! Crank up the volume, grab a barbell, and grow.
Judas Priest "Electric Eye"
via Sony Music Entertainment
The only problem with having "Electric Eye" playing in your headphones is that you might spend the whole song wondering what the hell an "electric eye" actually is. A laser? A robot? Will we ever know?
Dio, "Holy Diver"
via Warner Music Group
"Holy diver" and "ride the tiger": We're not sure there are any two more glorious lines in all of music. Can your workout keep up with the awesome?
Manowar, "Brothers of Metal (Part 1)"
via Universal Music Group
This one's pretty self explanatory. Whether we're talking musical genre or weights and plates, the message is clear: Strike while the iron's hot, brothers of metal. We'll always be there with our hands in the air. That is, unless they're wrapped around a barbell.
Ozzy Osbourne, "Crazy Train"
via Sony Music Entertainment
Type A's are overrated. Feel yourself going off the rails? Embrace that sentiment with this Ozzy classic. All aboard!
Danzig, "Mother"
via Universal Music Group
Take this as a letter of forewarning, parental units. The truth is, no one can hide from the waiting world. What can help protect you? Muscles, lots of muscles. Lift heavy and make your competition cower.
Mötley Crüe, "Shout at the Devil"
via Warner Music Group
If this song doesn't motivate you to finally shout at the asshole doing biceps curls in the squat rack, you're a lost cause. Be the wolf screaming lonely in the night.
Anthrax, "Madhouse"
via Universal Music Group
We can all relate to feeling insane sometimes. That's why we go to the gym, right? Catharsis! No matter how crappy you feel, remember how awesome you'll feel after your workout.