With the end of the year in sight, many of us are gearing up to unwind and enjoy the festive season before we start thinking about our New Year’s resolutions. Wanting to be healthier or aiming to hit the gym more frequently is often at the top of people’s lists – no matter whether they’re already a fitness fanatic or a complete exercise newbie.
According to Statista, 48% of UK adults planned to exercise more and improve their fitness in 2024, with running being the second most popular sporting activity. Many runners agree that music can be a great motivator because it prompts the brain to release dopamine – a hormone that enhances enjoyment and boosts goal-orientated behaviour.
To help more Brits achieve their running resolutions in 2025, the experts atWynsors have analysed 1,000 songs from more than 15 of the most popular Spotify running playlists, to identify the top tunes motivating runners right now. Here’s which songs appeared the most frequently:
The top 10 most popular running songs
- ‘Thunder’ by Imagine Dragons
- ‘I Don’t Wanna Wait’ by David Guetta & OneRepublic
- ‘Wake Me Up’ by Avicii
- ‘Prada’ by cassö, RAYE & D-Block Europe
- ‘Rush’ by Troye Sivan
- ‘Whatever It Takes’ by Imagine Dragons
- ‘Stumblin’ In’ by CYRIL
- ‘Deep Down’ by Alok, Ella Eyre, Kenny Dope & Never Dull
- ‘Uptown Funk’ by Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars
- ‘The Way I Are’ by Timbaland
Music often makes us synchronise our movement to the beat, meaning even those with little rhythm find it hard to resist tapping their feet to a catchy tune. The tempo, or beats per minute (BPM), plays a crucial role in this. For instance, a tempo of 60 BPM means one beat per second. Relationship and Mind Coach Md Ansar Ali suggests that the ideal BPM for workouts is between 125 and 140, as music within this range can significantly enhance performance.
Out of the running playlists Wynsors analysed, 23 of the songs making a regular appearance are in that perfect BMP range for exercise. With a combined play time of over an hour, these tracks make the perfect playlist to get you pumped for your next run. So, next time you’re feeling in need of some motivation to go and sweat it out, why not listen to ‘Rush’ by Troye Sivan (126 BMP), ‘Kings & Queens’ by Ava Max (130 BMP) or ‘Runaway’ by Galantis (126 BMP) for an added boost. Wynsors have made it easy for you too by creating the playlist for people to download.
Adam Foster, Retail Director from Wynsors, comments: “The New Year provides us with an opportunity to put health first and try something new. Music plays a huge part in motivating us, whether it’s an upbeat playlist for a morning run or calming tunes for a yoga session. But beyond the motivation, having the right gear is essential to support our fitness journey.
At Wynsors, we understand the importance of accessibility and affordability, especially during a time when many are mindful of their budgets. Our range of low-cost trainers ensures that everyone can start their fitness journey without financial strain. We believe that feeling good and staying active should be within everyone’s reach, and we’re committed to providing quality footwear that supports this goal.”
The full study including the top scenic running routes for an inspiring place to run can be found onsite here: https://www.wynsors.com/blog/the-most-popular-running-songs/
