Top 10 essential treadmill tracks

You’re gasping for air, your lungs are fit to burst, and the legs feel like they’ve just completed a marathon quicker than Paula Radcliffe, yet you’re only just 20 minutes into your planned lengthy treadmill run.

So how do you fight the temptation to stop, and keep yourself going when your body feels like its crying out for respite from the perceived onslaught? The answer lies not just in your own willpower, but also in any additional aids you can give yourself to keep on running.

If you need a significant boost to your motivation, how about finding that kick-start from the tunes you listen to while you pound the treadmill – so you feel like you're floating on air rather than wading through treacle! Your choice of tracks really can be a key factor in helping you reach your goals.

We have compiled a list of 10 essential tracks that will see you through even the hardest of sessions on the treadmill.

Eton Rifles – The Jam
An absolute cracker and generally best listened to near the start of the session. Its high tempo, crashing guitars and pounding bass line will have you nicely pumped up – the only fear is that you may be tempted to go off too quickly!

Take Me Out – Franz Ferdinand
The slow low key intro to the song can act as your steady preparation before hitting a difficult incline on your run. As soon as the catchy riff for which the song is known comes in you should feel ready to step up the pace.

Right Here, Right Now – Fatboy Slim
If in need of a another high tempo number to help you pick things up, then you will not fail to moved by this real blood pumper of a track. Just remember why you are right here, right now – it’s to work your socks off!

Clocks – Coldplay
Once you’re into a steady pace then this should help you maintain that rhythm. The piano hook acts almost as a hypnotic device to make you forget all that effort that you’re putting it.

Are You Gonna Go My Way? – Lenny Kravitz
The repetitive classic guitar riff almost mirrors the steps you are making and is it goes up an octave; it makes you feel as though you should be stepping it up too. A real rocker to put some spring in your step!

Hey Ya! – Outkast
It is the drums that marks this track out and you will find yourself pounding away freely to this rhythm. This is one for helping you maintain a steady pace rather than producing that burst you might require.

Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who
A rock classic, at a length of over six minutes will possibly be a sizeable chunk of your run. Crashing guitars and drums and raw vocals produce sheer energy which transfers from the music to you. Simply hard to beat!

My Sharona – The Knack
The riff is unmistakeable and so repetitive you will inevitably find yourself trying to run in time with it – but quite possibly fail to do so. In terms of producing a boost in energy when you need it – this tune certainly hits the mark.

Are You Gonna Be My Girl? – Jet
An upbeat rocker that should get you going if you feel you are flagging towards the end of your run. A chugging rhythm guitar part should help you keep the pace maintained when you feel you legs are really feeling it.

Road To Nowhere – Talking Heads
Not that we are rubbing it in or anything but you will still be exactly where you started! This is steady paced track and perfect track for the final leg of your planned run or for your cool-down.

Of course, if your treadmill sessions are long, you will probably need a few more tracks to keep you going; the total length of these songs would probably amount to only around half an hour or so. But as a start they are probably just what you need. Why not compile your own and see what works best for you?