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This story originally appeared in the Jackson Free Press. It was added to the Mississippi Free Press website in 2025.
Note that any opinions expressed in legacy Jackson Free Press stories do not reflect a position of the Mississippi Free Press or necessarily of its staff and board members.

Music is the one of the only reasons I can stand to be in a gym. I hate to admit it, but if my iPhone isn’t at least 50-percent charged, I won’t exercise because I can’t deal without my playlist.

The right song can make you feel incredibly happy and pumped up. A 2009 study by the National Institutes of Health showed that music can ease anxiety and depression, and can even help with pain. Other studies have found that music increases your endurance levels and motivates you to keep exercising, and classical music can improve your sleep quality.

Music has so many benefits; why not use it to get healthier? Here’s a great playlist to use when exercising. Send yours to amber@jacksonfreepress.com.

“A-Punk” by Vampire Weekend

“Airplanes” by B.o.B. featuring Hayley Williams

“Go!” by Santigold

“Shut Up and Let Me Go” by The Ting Tings

“Happy” by Pharrell Williams

“Barracuda” by Heart

“Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor

“Fancy” by Iggy Azalea and Charlie XCX

“Mr. Brightside” by The Killers

“Don’t You Evah” by Spoon

Amber Helsel is a freelance copy editor and former managing editor of the Jackson Free Press.