This week, I’ve officially decided I’m gonna start eating healthy(ish) and exercising again. Not because I don’t feel confident or because I feel the urge to “lose the baby weight” per se, but I genuinely love how I feel when I’m eating better and working out. And yes, I know, I’m kind of late to the game at six and a half months post-partum, but it took this long to develop what slightly resembles a schedule for Amélie and Lucien that *might* allow me the time to exercise. So to all the exhausted parents out there–don’t feel bad if you’re in the same boat…take care of yourself and get around to the rest when you’re ready!
As you might have gathered from my post about a month ago, 10 Video Game Songs to Help you Reach your Zen Place, I love jamming out and incorporating music from my favorite fandoms into my everyday life, so this post was a no-brainer when I made the decision to get back into a healthier lifestyle!
But fret not, even if you’re not working out yet–all of these epic and/or upbeat nerdy tunes will get you pumped up for doing even the most mundane things (like getting that seemingly impossible dinner on the table, late-night cleaning the kids’ messes, and making it to work on time). So turn the volume up and get ready to get it done!
1. Cha-La Head-Cha-La, Dragonball Z (1989)
How could I not start a list of workout music with this DBZ classic? So embrace your inner Super Saiyan (or 2…or 3…or 4…what, are we up to 6 now?). Whether you’re trying to become the next god-tier Saiyan or just trying to take a casual jog around the block, this fun (somewhat cheesy sounding, let’s just call it for what it is) head-bopping intro song is perfect!
Bonus: I seriously just spent the past fifteen minutes listening to this and the later intro to DBZ Kai (Dragon Soul) debating which to include on the list. Obviously, I went with the classic option, but “Dragon Soul” is super fun too.
2. Skyrim Theme Song, Skyrim (2011)
You know I had to do it. There’s very few songs in existence that pump me up for anything like the Dovahkiin Song: whether it be exercising, writing, or just a seriously epic push to get me through the day (which I need A LOT with these little twins)–this song has had my back since it graced this world in 2011.
3. Forces, Berserk (1997)
Most people think of Cloud from Final Fantasy VII when they imagine a greatsword-wielding protagonist, but for those who love Berserk…Guts is the O.G. greatsword-carrying warrior. A million times more epic, grizzled, and well-developed than any of his successors bearing a similar weapon (at least that I know of), his mere existence as a character should get you pumped up for your next workout.
4. Nidhogg’s Theme, Part II, Final Fantasy XIV (2016)
This has been my go-to jogging song since it came out in 2016. Normal people listen to upbeat pop music jogging, I listen to this! I personally never particularly enjoyed running or jogging until I finally accepted that it’s perfectly normal (and beneficial!) to change up your pace throughout the run. So phone in hand, I blast the second part of Nidhogg’s theme–easing up a bit for the slower parts of the song and determinedly speeding up for the epic operatic bits. I am the Warrior of Light, after all. Time to start working out like it 😉
5. The Avengers Theme Song, The Avengers (2016)
Another must-have on my workout rotation–the amazingness of our favorite Marvel superheroes is always enough to get myself in gear. The version I’m including below is a later rendition of the original song–the one featured in Infinity War!
6. Peace Walker Theme, Metal Gear Solid Peace Walker (2011)
Like Nidhogg’s theme, this one has a solid spot on my jogging rotation. Its highs and lows let me change up the pace of my jog/run with the music, which keeps me engaged — and the lofty, sweeping epicness of certain parts of the song give me that final push I need to finish out a sprint.
7. He’s A Pirate, Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)
My adoption of this one goes way back to college (I guess not *that* long ago, but it sure does feel like it) when I fenced. Because what fencer doesn’t want the swashbuckling, catchy tune of Pirates as the backdrop to their warmup??
8. Steel is for Humans, The Witcher 3 Wild Hunt (2017)
Not gonna lie, this entire list may or may not have been subtly inspired by this song and the trailer for the new Witcher Netflix show (WHO ELSE IS PUMPED). Since the release of The Witcher 3, this song has been my default “let me shower and wake myself up” tune–and it has also bled into my workout rotation. Yeah, I might listen to overly epic songs for typically mundane routines–but it makes life seem WAY more epic, so why not?
9. Ready to Die & Party Party Party Mashup, TFS Hellsing Ultimate Abridged
I LOVE the manga Hellsing. And the anime. And TFS’ Abridged version. So it’s absolutely no surprise this song pumps me up to do literally anything. Need to walk really fast to make the next metro? Need to get ready quickly? Need to workout? *Enter this song*. Also for those of you who don’t know, I’m super into creating original characters who are slightly unhinged à la Alucard from Hellsing. So I even listen to this when I’m writing. But more than anything else, this is my go-to intense cardio song. If you haven’t heard it, take a listen and you’ll see why!
10. The Imperial March, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
Gotta end strong, right? And you’ve got to admit–the Empire has the best music. So grab your headphones, harness the power of the Dark Side, and finish cranking out those reps (or whatever you’re doing)!
What are your favorite songs to get pumped up to? Always looking for more to add to my rotation, so comment below with your go-tos!