Everyone loves Disney movies and their catchy songs, but not everyone loves working out. I wondered what would happen if I combined something I love (Disney songs) with something I can barely tolerate (working out). Would they help balance each other out? Would I finally enjoy spending time on the treadmill? To test this I worked out while listening to various tracks from the different movies. Below are the results of the best and worst of these songs, for those of you who would like to try this method out as well.
Colors of the Wind from Pocahontas: BEST
Even though this song is a little slow, it was pretty motivating to listen to. The sweeping orchestral background is uplifting and the lyrics almost make you want to be running. If you close your eyes you can almost picture yourself running through open fields and streams next to John Smith (wink wink). Disclaimer: PLEASE be careful when running with your eyes closed on a treadmill or outside.
Beauty and the Beast from Beauty and the Beast: WORST
SNOOZE FEST. While this song is beautiful and romantic and everything you’d want for a slow dance with your honey, it makes you want to slow your running pace to a crawl. The only saving grace is the end when the teapot mother says “Off to bed now, Pip” because at the point going to bed is what you want to do.
That’s How You Know from Enchanted: BEST
Light, bouncy, and fun, this track will make you want to run mountains. I recommend ramping up the incline while listening, as you will be motivated to do the extra work. Bonus: you get to think about Patrick Dempsey and his lovely locks.
Go the Distance from Hercules: BEST
This one was kind of a no-brainer. I mean, who wouldn’t be motivated while listening to Hercules sing about going the distance and doing everything to achieve his goals? The only downside is that it is a little slow.
I See the Light from Tangled: WORST
This is one of my absolute, all-time favorite Disney songs and I was really hoping it would be a good workout song, but alas it was not so. Like Beauty and the Beast it was just too slow and sweeping to make you want to sweat hard. It would probably be good for a cooldown song.
Poor Unfortunate Souls from The Little Mermaid: BEST
“Those poor unfortunate souls. So sad, it’s true!” Do you want to be a sad, unfortunate soul with un-toned thighs? NO. So run faster! Very motivating. A++
Friend Like Me from Aladdin: BEST
This song is funky and upbeat, not to mention sung by Robin Williams. It’s good for a point in your workout where you usually hit a wall, it’ll help you climb over it for sure. You ain’t never had a friend like this song.
Circle of Life from The Lion King: WORST
While the beginning of this famous song is going to get you pretty hyped and excited, the rest is a letdown. It’s too slow and soft to be motivating. The lyrics about life and death will make you wonder why you are wasting your life in this gym when you could be eating a doughnut instead.
Hellfire from The Hunchback of Notre Dame: WORST
I’ve never seen the Hunchback so I had never heard this song before now, and I had not been missing anything. It was scary, dark, and depressing. I do not recommend working out to this song, or listening to it in general.
Let It Go from Frozen: WORST
Unless you have been living under a rock for the last year or so, you’ve probably heard this song at least a hundred times. You’re also probably sick of it, and don’t really want to suffer through it while on the StairMaster. 10 out of 10 would not recommend.
