I think we can all agree that it’s been a long, long year. We’ve been stuck at home, we’ve struggled to stay positive, and we’ve eaten a whole bunch of snack food. And yes... I can confirm that I have gained the infamous quarantine 15. Okay, if I’m really being truthful, it was more like I gained the quarantine insert-large-number here-that-I’d-rather-not-share!

First of all, I do want to remind myself that if gaining weight was one of the only bad things to happen to me this past year, then I definitely have a lot of reasons to be grateful. I am so much happier to be a few pounds heavier than to have gotten sick or to have lost someone that I love.

But I do still want to get in shape for myself. As annoying as people are when they say that exercising helps both your physical and mental health and that you’ll be happier after a good workout, they aren’t wrong!

So how do I motivate myself to start moving again? There are plenty of ways to motivate workouts, but one thing that never lets me down is blasting my favorite Broadway pump-up songs to keep me energized. Singing along to musical theatre while working out may seem like a super embarrassing idea, but trust me, just give in to the magic of show tunes and you’ll be unstoppable.

What follows are my favorite Broadway workout songs for you to enjoy while you sweat:

“Whipped Into Shape” from Legally Blonde

Obvious choice? Yes. Effective choice? Absolutely! Nothing gets me moving faster than hearing Brooke Wyndham shout “Come on Sabrina, you heifer! Work it out!” Plus, this song has a nice balance of intensity and calm. You can push yourself and then take breaks between sets while still moving at a good pace! And if you want more Legally Blonde definitely try “Bend and Snap” as well. Maybe to some squats?

“Revolting Children” from Matilda

Okay, these kids do NOT mess around! First of all, they’re insanely talented and so much fun to listen to. Secondly, they have given us a kickass, determined song that just fills me with energy every time I hear it. Would recommend!

“The World Will Know” from Newsies

Nothing gets me more pumped to work out than some musical theatre style revolution. Exercising to this song makes me feel like I should be dramatically marching down the street with a picket sign standing up to the man! “Carrying the Banner” and “Seize the Day” are also great options, but I’m partial to this one because it’s just nonstop rebellion energy that simply does not quit.

“My Shot” from Hamilton

Okay so this may be the most obvious Hamilton choice for the list and I could’ve picked some other options, but this song is all about going for it and giving it your all. With this song, you get a solid beat for five and a half minutes and it will continuously remind you not to give up and keep pushing through.

“Travel Song” from Shrek The Musical

Weird choice? Maybe. But often when this show is produced, Donkey and Shrek perform it on treadmills. So why not listen to it on the treadmill when you’re not onstage? It’s silly, it’s fun, and it makes me feel happy. This is the kind of workout song for easy-going but upbeat exercise, and it will definitely put a smile on your face.

“Candy Store” from Heathers

I am all about a song that makes me feel like I should be “kicking nerds in the nose” while power walking through the school hallways in high heels and a plaid skirt. This is the song you pick when you want to feel like an absolute badass! And of course when you want to destroy your opponents in croquet…

“Apex Predator” from Mean Girls

Are you Janis singing the song or are you Regina George being the “apex predator”? Either way, you are not to be stopped. This song is intense and it will absolutely pump you up enough to finish those sets!

“Six” from Six

I did my best to only pick one song from each musical I selected, but with Six it was pretty much impossible. You could pick practically any song from this soundtrack and it would be perfect for your workout. “Don’t Lose Your Head”, “No Way”, “All You Wanna Do”... they’re all amazing choices! This is a whole soundtrack of women kicking butt and telling their stories and coming together to be awesome, all paired with a perfect workout beat.

“Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat” from Cats (movie version)

Yes, this is an embarrassing suggestion. I promise I don’t actually like this movie, nor do I encourage anyone to waste their time watching it. But I do have to admit that this song goes hard and is an absolute bop! Give in to Cats and blast this song on repeat. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

“Does Your Mother Know” and “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” from Mamma Mia! movie

I just had to end on a classic. These are the songs for those of us who want to sing along while we move. How could you not know all of the words to the Mamma Mia! soundtrack? Turn up the volume and maybe throw on something shiny. You’ll be in shape in no time!

The Best Broadway Songs for a Great Workout

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