35 Girl Power Anthems to Energize Your Next Workout

By , SparkPeople Blogger
Girls just want to have fun—and get fit! We all know that amazing feeling of euphoria and accomplishment that comes after a workout, and how much the body and mind benefit from a heart-pounding sweat session. But when you're feeling tired, burned out or just plain uninspired, the memory of the last time you killed it at the gym may not be quite enough to motivate you to get off the couch and get moving.

When you can't talk yourself into a workout, try singing instead. For centuries, people have been using music as mental fuel for exercise. Research shows that an up-tempo beat not only makes exercise more enjoyable, but can also enhance performance. If your aim is to get more out of your gym session—or simply muster the motivation to clean out the garage—try getting your groove on.

You don't have to be on the heels of a nasty breakup to appreciate a fun, feisty (albeit somewhat angry) "girl power" anthem. We polled some music fans for their favorite sweat-inducing, heart-pumping feminist tracks. Turns out, as women we don’t simply roar—we run, walk, lift and otherwise kick butt.
 
1. Ariana Grande, Problem – Amazon  iTunes
2. Beyonce, Run the World (Girls) – Amazon  iTunes



3. Beyonce, Single Ladies – Amazon  iTunes
4. Britney Spears, Stronger – Amazon  iTunes
5. Carl Carlton, She’s a Bad Mama Jama – Amazon  iTunes
6. Chaka Khan, I’m Every Woman – Amazon  iTunes



7. Cher, Believe – Amazon  iTunes
8. Christina Aguilera, Fighter – Amazon  iTunes
9. Christina Aguilea and Various Artists, Lady Marmalade – Amazon  iTunes
10. Crystal Waters, 100% Pure Love – Amazon  iTunes
11. Cyndi Lauper, Girls Just Want to Have Fun – Amazon  iTunes



12. Des'Ree, You Gotta Be – Amazon  iTunes
13. Destiny's Child, Independent Woman – Amazon  iTunes
14. Destiny's Child, Survivor – Amazon  iTunes
15. Dixie Chicks, Wide Open Spaces – Amazon  iTunes



16. Ellie Goulding, Burn – Amazon  iTunes
17. Fifth Harmony, That’s My Girl – Amazon  iTunes
18. Florence + the Machine, Dog Days Are Over – Amazon  iTunes
19. Garbage, Only Happy When It Rains – Amazon  iTunes
20. Gloria Gaynor, I Will Survive – Amazon  iTunes
21. Gwen Stefani, Hollaback Girl – Amazon  iTunes
22. Katy Perry, Roar – Amazon  iTunes



23. Katy Perry, Firework – Amazon  iTunes
24. Kelly Clarkson, Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You) – Amazon  iTunes
25. Kelly Clarkson, Invincible – Amazon  iTunes
26. Madonna, Express Yourself – Amazon  iTunes
27. Mandisa, Overcomer – Amazon  iTunes
28. Marina and the Diamonds, How to Be a Heartbreaker – Amazon  iTunes
29. Missy Elliott, Get Ur Freak On – Amazon  iTunes
30. P!nk, Just Like a Pill – Amazon  iTunes



31. Rachel Platten, Fight Song – Amazon  iTunes
32. Robyn, Dancing on My Own – Amazon  iTunes
33. Selena Gomez, Like a Champion – Amazon  iTunes
34. Sheryl Crow, Soak up the Sun – Amazon  iTunes



35. Sia, The Greatest – Amazon  iTunes
 
Which of these girl power anthems are destined for your workout playlist? Would you add any others to the list?
 
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