5,000-Step Galentine’s Walking Playlist
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A year ago, I shared a Valentine’s Day playlist for your February walks—a collection of upbeat love songs to put you in the Valentine’s Day spirit. But I am well aware that not everyone loves Valentine’s Day. Not everyone has that special someone to celebrate the day of hearts and flowers with. And, even if you do, sometimes you just want to hang out with your girls and rock out to some anti-love-songs. And that’s what this playlist is for.
So feel free to mix it up. Go for a walk with the Valentine’s Day playlist when (if) you’re feeling like fluffy love songs. And hit the trail (or the treadmill) to this playlist when you need something a little…edgier. It’s a playlist that’s sure to fire you up and get you moving.
A little more about the playlist:
I’ve included a number of different ways to listen. I’ve got YouTube videos posted below. If you want to download the MP3, I’ve also got links to find them on Amazon. Or you can listen to the whole thing by playing the Spotify playlist.
For each song in this playlist, I’ve listed the beats per minute, the pace (in minutes per mile) that you’ll be walking if you’re walking to the beat, and the number of steps that you’ll take during the song if you keep up that pace. We’ll start with an easy pace and work our way up, finishing with a cool-down. The songs here eventually build up to a pretty brisk pace, but take it at a pace that works for you—whether that means moving faster or slower. You’re totally allowed to dance and sing your way through this playlist, too (in fact, it’s almost guaranteed). If you follow the pace of each song, you’ll be over 5,000 steps (or around 2.5 miles) by the time you reach the end. If you’re looking for more steps, feel free to play it again—or move on to another one of my playlists. You can find them all on the Playlists page.
1) “No Scrubs” – TLC
We all have days when we don’t necessarily feel like getting up and going for a walk—when we need a little extra motivation. And those often happen around this time of year, when it’s cold and dreary outside, and I’d much rather just curl up on the couch and take a nap. But even if it’s one of those days, this ‘90s hit will get you moving. It starts out easy—like any good workout should—but by the time it picks up, you’ll be singing along and ready to get moving.
Beats per Minute: 93
Pace: 21:30
Steps: 332
2) “Keep On Walking” – CeCe Peniston
Back in the early ‘90s, CeCe Peniston ran the full spectrum of relationship songs: from the joyful love song “Finally” to the empowered breakup song “Keep On Walking.” And she did it all with a beat you could dance (or walk) to. So while this track may not have a fast pace, it’ll make you want to keep on walking, too.
Beats per Minute: 105
Pace: 19:03
Steps: 473
3) “Stronger” – Britney Spears
If anyone knows about messy relationships, it’s poor Britney—from Justin to Kevin to whoever she’s seeing (or taking a break from seeing) right now. But this track will remind you that, no matter what you go through, you’ll just fight your way through it and come out stronger on the other side.
Beats per Minute: 108
Pace: 18:31
Steps: 365
4) “Wannabe” – Spice Girls
No Galentine’s playlist would be complete without this iconic debut track by the Spice Girls. It’s an ode to the power of friendship, whether you’re the sporty one, the posh one, the scary one, the ginger one, or the baby…
Find it on Amazon
Beats per Minute: 110
Pace: 18:11
Steps: 317
5) “Respect” – Aretha Franklin
There’s nothing like this classic Girl Power hit to remind you that you deserve a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Be prepared for this one—because I don’t think it’s possible to make it through the song without belting out the lyrics right along with the Queen of Soul.
Beats per Minute: 115
Pace: 17:24
Steps: 284
6) “Girlfriend” – Pebbles
Sometimes it takes your BFF to sit you down and let you know that it’s time to show that man the door. This song may have come out long before I had any experience with bad relationships—but, in hindsight, I wish I’d had a few more friends though my dating years give me a danceable heart-to-heart like this one.
Beats per Minute: 118
Pace: 16:57
Steps: 503
7) “Cold Hearted” – Paula Abdul
Pebbles wasn’t the only ‘80s pop star to sit down with her girl and have a serious talk about the shady behavior of the man she’s been seeing. Paula Abdul jumps right in there, too, with another danceable track about a man who’s nothing but trouble.
Find it on Amazon
Beats per Minute: 122
Pace: 16:24
Steps: 470
8) “Don’t Start Now” – Dua Lipa
As the old saying goes, “Living well is the best revenge.” And that’s exactly the point of this song: nothing is more painful to a toxic ex than seeing you out living your best life. It reminds me of my own bad college relationship—and how, when I finally realized that I deserved better, I was able to go out and live my best life.
Beats per Minute: 124
Pace: 16:08
Steps: 434
9) “Look What You Made Me Do” – Taylor Swift
In a former life, Taylor Swift was known for songs about breakups, revenge, and just general empowerment. While I’ve never been a huge fan (I know, I know…I’m sorry), I absolutely respect that. And while this one is rumored to be about Kim and Kanye and not an ex, like so many of her songs, it’s just fitting for so many different situations.
Beats per Minute: 128
Pace: 15:38
Steps: 452
10) “Since U Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson
They say hindsight is 20/20—and after a painful breakup, that’s when you can finally start to look back and see all of the red flags. And that can be such a freeing feeling. Just ask Kelly.
Beats per Minute: 131
Pace: 15:16
Steps: 413
11) “Material Girl” – Madonna
I don’t know if it’s what Madonna intended when she recorded this song, but it always makes me laugh when I hear it. While other pop stars were out singing love songs, Madonna just said, “Yeah, that stuff is great, but you’d better put your money where your mouth is.” She was just so unapologetically…Madonna.
Beats per Minute: 137
Pace: 14:36
Steps: 548
12) “Survivor” – Destiny’s Child
Are you ready to give today’s walk that last final push? Let’s pick up the pace and add a little strut to your step while you let everyone on the trail know that you’re not going to give up, not going to stop. You’re going to work harder. You’re going to make it. You’re going to survive this walk—and keep on surviving.
Beats per Minute: 161
Pace: 12:25
Steps: 682
13) “Roar” – Katy Perry
Whooo! That last one was a little…intense. But you’ve made it to today’s cool-down track! Sure, you’re a fighter. You’re a champion. But you’re allowed to slow down and catch your breath. You’ve definitely earned it by getting those steps today!
Beats per Minute: 90
Pace: 22:13
Steps: 336
Total Time for Today’s Workout: 47:04
Total Steps: 5,607
And that’s it! We’ve made it to the end of today’s walk! I hope you enjoyed your walk—and I hope you’re feeling strong and healthy and totally empowered, too!
If you’ve been keeping up with the beat, you’ve just gotten over 5,000 steps (or around 2.5 miles). Way to get those steps in! If you’re feeling like getting more steps, feel free to hit play again and keep going!
What are your favorite Galentine’s tracks? Share your favorites!
