30 Awesome Cool Down Songs For Your Next Workout

Looking for some fabulous cool-down songs for your next sweat session? This post features my favorite cool down music and good songs to stretch to!

Great Cool Down Songs For Your Next Workout — I hope you love my cool down music list!

Hi there! My name is Chantal – welcome to Ironwild Fitness and my favorite cool down music!

I’m a mom and certified personal trainer who has a true appreciation for music. I never (ever) exercise without music on, and I’m a sucker for a good workout playlist. (See my girl power rock workout playlist here.)

I am always on the lookout for the best workout songs to add to my playlists. Especially if a long run or hard lifting session is involved. Even better if they are inspirational cool down songs!

So today I want to share my favorite cool down songs with you kindred spirits!

It doesn’t matter what your overall fitness goal is, or what your goal is for each workout.

I promise you will have a better time working on those goals with some good music.

P.S. I’m not here to give you medical advice since I’m not a doctor, but I can give you advice on some good music. 🙂

To give you a little bit of background, my sports and fitness history actually started with dance.

I was on my high-school dance team and later the cheer squad. So while I didn’t really play team sports as a child, I did get to listen to great music while exercising!

In fact, I automatically associate music with that feel-good endorphin rush that comes with exercise.

I’ve always been a music junkie (I also played the cello and piano as a kid), but my condition has only worsened since getting really into gym life and personal trainer stuff. 🙂

Interested in nutrition coaching but on a budget? My online nutrition course for women is now OPEN!

Seriously, I love music!

I love the music in group fitness classes, and I love to zone out with a good playlist while lifting weights by myself.

Truthfully, good music can make or break my workouts. It’s serious business, this workout playlist stuff!

Typically I’m into high-tempo stuff (dance, pop, and rock) while exercising, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate other types of music.

Listening to music in a different BPM range (beats per minute) is great for when it’s time to slow down. That’s why having a good playlist just for stretching songs is totally my jam.

Science says that music tempo does contribute to our pace and emotions, so I like to roll with that knowledge when I go into a workout. Fast music can make you work harder and faster.

Actually, there’s a whole bunch of info about the relationship between exercise and music.

Let’s quickly explore the profound impact of music on physical activity, delve into the science behind it, and provide practical tips to optimize your workout playlist.

The Science Behind the Beat:
Have you ever wondered why music has such a profound effect on our emotions and motivation during exercise? When we listen to music, our brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward.

This flood of dopamine can boost our mood, reduce perceived effort, and increase endurance. There’s a fascinating connection between music, the brain, and exercise, and scientists are onto it.

The Rhythm of Movement:
Music has an inherent rhythm that can synchronize with our movements, making exercise feel more natural and effortless. Whether it’s running to the beat of an energizing song or lifting weights in time with the music, syncing our movements to the rhythm can enhance performance and coordination.

Different exercise modalities work well with a variety of musical genres and tempos that complement each activity, from high-intensity cardio to yoga and weightlifting.

Motivation in Melodies:
Sticking to a regular exercise routine can be challenging, especially on days when motivation wanes. Thankfully, music can be a powerful tool to boost motivation and help you power through your workouts.

The impact of lyrics, melodies, and personal preferences is undisputed when creating a playlist that inspires you. The song selection and variety matters!

The Emotional Soundtrack:
Beyond its physical benefits, music has a unique ability to evoke emotions and create a sense of personal connection.

Selecting music that resonates with your emotions can enhance your exercise experience, making it more enjoyable and cathartic. Whether you seek energy, tranquility, or motivation, there are different genres and songs that can amplify the emotional dimension of your workout.

Music for Mindful Movement:
Exercise is not only about pushing yourself physically but also about finding a state of mindfulness and presence. Music plays a role in fostering mindful movement and helps to create a serene and focused exercise environment.

Cool, huh?

So we know that motivational lyrics can aid your workout, too.

I believe that different types of music have different places in the world of exercise, and the same is true of cool down songs and great stretching songs.

Inspirational cool-down songs have their place, too!

When it’s time to calm down, cool down, and lower your heart rate, good music can help! The right song can have just the right effect on your mood.

When I started putting together this post, I immediately thought back to some of my favorite cool-downs in these situations.

Some songs just feel *perfect* and make amazing stretching songs every single time.

But I did go out of my way to see what other people are listening to while cooling down (I totally crept on Spotify cool-down playlists).

I found out that some people have a VERY different idea of what a cool down song should sound like.

Lol. I, for one, like to drop the tempo way down and listen to super-calming music.

I also like some great instrumental music (no vocals) for my stretching songs. So, I put together a good mix of songs based on my go-to cool down music, as well as a few new inspirational cool down songs.

I hope you like my list of cool down music!

For some people, this list of cool down songs will feel super random – and that’s just how I like it. Just promise me you’ll give some songs you’ve never heard of a try before you skip over them!

It’s an eclectic list, but you’re certain to find some great new music in it.

You can put together your own cool down playlist full of the best cool down songs you see here to make it easy each time you’re ready for stretching or relaxing.

That is what I’ve done with a Spotify playlist. (You can use Apple Music too, of course.) Enjoy!

<<Click here to go straight to my girl-power rock playlist on Spotify.>>

30 Great Cool Down Songs For Your Next Workout

Sweet Jane – Cowboy Junkies

Fade Into Me – Mazzy Star

Patience – Chris Cornell

Killing Me Softly With His Song – Fugees

Canyon Trilogy – R. Carlos Nakai

Forever – Ben Harper

Let It Be Me – Ray LaMontagne

You Are The Reason – Calum Scott & Leona Lewis

Gypsy – Shakira

Closer – Kings of Leon

When You Come Back Down – Nickel Creek

Somewhere Over The Rainbow (Ukulele Version) – Israel Kamakawiwoʻole

Mad World – Gary Jules

Chasing Cars – Snow Patrol

Walk Away – Ben Harper

Rainbow – Kacey Musgraves

Follow The Sun – Xavier Rudd

Society – Eddie Vedder

Say You Won’t Let Go – Acoustic cover by Jonah Baker

Poison & Wine – The Civil Wars

The Way I Am – Ingrid Michaelson

The Joke – Brandi Carlile

Perfect – Ed Sheeran

Conversations In The Dark – John Legend

I’m Never Getting Over You – Gone West

Nothing Compares To You – Chris Cornell

2002 – Anne-Marie

November Rain – Guns N’ Roses

Another Love – Tom Odell

Hurt – Johnny Cash

That’s it! (Oh, and anything by Alison Krauss! She is so calming.) I hope this gives you some great new ideas for cool down songs to use for your next workout.

You can pick-and-choose from this list, or even make a cool down playlist with all of these songs on Spotify!

I truly believe that music can be a great motivating factor and can help you get to the finish line in your workouts.

It’s just another great tool that you can use on your health journey.

Do you have any other suggestions for cool down songs? Please let my know by leaving a comment below!

-Chantal