Speed walking is a fantastic low-impact exercise that can help you stay active, boost your cardiovascular health, and burn calories. One way to make your speed walking sessions even more enjoyable and effective is by creating an awesome playlist. Music has the power to energize your steps, lift your mood, and keep you motivated throughout your entire workout. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to curate the perfect playlist for speed walking, ensuring you stay on track and reach your fitness goals with a spring in your step!
In order to create the perfect playlist you’ll need to find songs with a tempo that matches your walking pace. Ideally, we want this to range from 120 to 140 BPM (beats per minute). Then we want to mix up the music genres to keep the playlist fresh and engaging. Next, you’ll want the songs to build with the intensity of your workout and match your walk’s progression. If music isn’t your thing or you want to break it up, don’t be afraid to add audiobooks or podcasts to your speed walks. Join me as we go more in-depth into what you need to know to build an awesome speed-walking playlist.
Find Your Rhythm
The first step to crafting an awesome speed-walking playlist is to find the right rhythm. Look for songs with a tempo that matches your walking pace. Ideally, songs with beats per minute (BPM) in the range of 120 to 140 are suitable for most speed walkers. These BPM ranges sync well with an average walking speed of 3 to 4 miles per hour. Websites and apps dedicated to finding BPM information for songs can be useful tools for this purpose.
You can find BPM detectors by searching for them in your phone’s Play Store or by using websites online. Below are a few choices to get you started.
- Audio Alter
- BPM Detector: Live Tempo (Apple)
- Simple BPM Detector (Google)
- Wav Monopoly
Mix Up Your Genres
Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for your playlist. Mix up different music genres to keep your speed walking routine fresh and engaging. Consider adding some upbeat pop, energizing rock, motivating hip-hop, and even a few dance tracks to get your feet moving and your energy going.
Start with a Pump-Up Song
Kickstart your speed walking session with a pump-up song that instantly boosts your energy levels. Choose a favorite track with a fast tempo and an infectious rhythm that gets your heart pumping. This initial burst of motivation will set the tone for the rest of your workout.
Build Gradual Intensity
Craft your playlist to build gradual intensity as you walk. Start with songs that match your warm-up pace and gradually increase the tempo as you progress. This progression will help you maintain a steady and enjoyable pace throughout your workout.
Personalize Your Playlist
Your speed walking playlist should reflect your unique music preferences. Include songs that resonate with you and have a positive emotional impact. The connection between your favorite tunes and the joy of speedwalking will keep you coming back for more.
Mind the Lyrics
While catchy beats are essential, pay attention to the lyrics as well. Uplifting and motivational lyrics can be powerful mood boosters during your speed-walking session. Positive messages and empowering themes will enhance your experience and keep your spirits high.
Create a Playlist Length to Suit Your Walks
Consider the duration of your typical speed walking session when creating your playlist. Aim for a playlist that lasts as long as your longest walks to ensure you’re covered until the end of your exercise. Having enough tracks will prevent you from getting bored during extended workouts.
Include Personal Power Songs
Introduce personal power songs into your playlist. These are tracks that hold special meaning or memories for you. When you hit a challenging point in your walk, these songs can give you an extra boost of motivation to power through.
Consider Audio Books or Podcasts
Incorporate audio books or podcasts into your playlist if you prefer a more informational or educational experience during your walks. These can be an excellent alternative to music and offer valuable insights or entertaining content as you exercise.
Update Your Playlist Regularly
To avoid playlist fatigue, update your speed walking playlist regularly. Add new songs, replace tracks that have lost their charm, and refresh the order of songs. A fresh playlist will keep you excited and looking forward to your next speed-walking session.
Places to Build Your Awesome Playlist
Creating an awesome speed-walking playlist is easy and can be done through various platforms. Remember to explore the features and functionalities of each platform to see which one aligns best with your preferences and needs. Here are some popular options where you can create your playlist:
- Spotify: Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms that allows you to create playlists with ease. It has an extensive library of songs across different genres, and you can search for tracks based on BPM to find the perfect ones for your speed-walking playlist.
- Apple Music: If you are an Apple user, Apple Music is a great choice for creating playlists. Similar to Spotify, it offers a vast selection of songs and allows you to organize them into personalized playlists tailored to your speed walking routine.
- YouTube Music: YouTube Music is another option where you can create playlists specifically for your speed walking sessions. You can search for songs, music videos, and even live performances to add to your playlist.
- Amazon Music: If you have an Amazon Prime membership, you can access Amazon Music, which offers a wide array of songs and allows you to create and customize playlists according to your preferences.
Check out this awesome playlist for some inspiration: Walking Pop 120-130 BPM
To finalize, creating an awesome playlist for speed walking is a fun and effective way to elevate your fitness routine. The right combination of energizing tunes, motivational lyrics, and personalized tracks can transform your speed-walking sessions into enjoyable and rewarding experiences. Take the time to curate a playlist that matches your pace, preferences, and fitness goals, and let the power of music propel you forward in your journey to better health and well-being. So, put on those walking shoes, press play, and let the music guide you to success on your speed walking adventures!