Top 10 iron-pumping anthems

It can be hard to motivate yourself to exercise sometimes – so sticking on an emphatic, uplifting tune can be the perfect tonic for getting fit the fun way!

Tell us if you agree with these choices from throughout the decades.

Opt for fast-paced songs that will really get your heart racing when you’re exercising along - a good mix of new hits and old classics will hold your interest. Here are some of our favourites – they might not be totally obvious, but we promise you’ll enjoy them!

• Daft Punk – ‘Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger’

Daft Punk still haven’t lost it after all these years, and the song’s title couldn’t be more apt for exercise – it just inspires you to perspire!

• Europe – ‘The Final Countdown’

If this isn’t a classic, then what is? Yes, it may be cheesy, but those power chords and disco beats don’t get you itching for a workout, then nothing will.

• Girls Aloud – ‘Sexy No No No…’

The Girls have figures that we all dream of, and if they got them from their raunchy dance routines, then that’s enough of an excuse to exercise to their songs.

• Kylie Minogue – ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Head’

This song is at just the right speed for some moderately-paced exercise, such as weight-lifting. Just imagining Kylie’s dance moves to this tune will get you jerking your body into all kinds of toning poses – great for defining your curves.

• Eric Prydz – ‘Call On Me’

The archetypal loud, bassy, pumping dance hit. Perfect for pulling some aerobic-style shapes in your bedroom (lycra is optional).

• Original – ‘I Luv U Baby’

This is a typical 90s backing track for exercise – totally Mr Motivator! Slip your sweatbands on and enjoy burning some calories with this faux brass-laden belter of a tune.

• The Shamen – ‘Ebeneezer Goode’

A bit of a curate’s egg, this one - shouty, with crazy keyboards and a seemingly pointless lyric. However, if your choice of exercise is throwing yourself around the house and going a little bit silly, stick on The Shamen.

• Stardust – ‘Music Sounds Better With U’

Another staple of the 90s, Stardust’s one hit wonder is funky and fine. It will lift your spirits on the darkest of mornings when you’re jogging round the park.

• Cameo – ‘Word Up’

And now for something completely different… Cameo’s classic from the 80s will spice up the boring playlist on your iPod, and might even egg you on to do another 10 minutes on the treadmill. If this doesn’t float your boat, try Mel B’s version from the 90s.

• KC And The Sunshine Band – ‘That’s The Way (I Like It)’

Disco babes can turn this record up and sing along loud and proud! Repeated sets of sit-ups an push-ups sound so attractive with this legendary tune pushing you forward.

Do you agree, or spit on these suggestions in outraged disdain? Tell us your choices below.