10 Podcasts to Listen to While Working Out: Beat the Burn

There’s something about a good workout that can totally change your energy. As Conversations with Cam discussed, intentional movement changes EVERYTHING. Whether you’re clearing your head, boosting your confidence, or trying to accomplish fitness goals, the right kind of exercise can raise your heart rate and your mood. But the thing most of us struggle with? Consistency. That whole “mind over muscles” concept, like the one discussed on Wellness Her Way, can be hard.

Some days, we’d ALL rather be laying in bed wrapped up in our Breadwinning Housewife Winter Blanket. Even when we know how good it’ll make us feel, the motivation just isn’t… motivating. Fortunately, though, we have just the thing to make you wanna get up and crush your goals: Podcasts!

Nothing makes the time fly by like getting totally hooked on a story or laughing with your fave hosts. That’s why today, we’re sharing the best podcasts to listen to while working out. Whether you’re craving laughs, learning, or love stories gone wrong, we’ve got a little bit of everything.

10 Podcasts to Listen to While Working Out: Beat the Burn

Listening to podcasts feels like the silent MVP of getting sh*t done. That’s exactly why we’ve posted everything from podcasts to listen to at work to podcasts to listen to while running! They have a way of boosting your energy, productivity, and overall vibe. 

And here’s the truth: no one’s immune to the occasional slump—not even those who live, eat, and breathe the gym. The reps may feel longer, the weight may seem heavier, and the minutes? They can DRAG on. But when you tune into the next episode in a series you’ve been listening to, that 30 minutes of cardio doesn’t seem too bad. 

Before we dive into our top recs, though, let’s talk about whether or not listening to podcasts is truly beneficial. Sure, it may be a nice switch-up from listening to music, but can it really be that helpful? Let’s talk about it.

Is It Good to Listen to Podcasts While Working Out?

Yes, yes, and yes again. Whether you’re crushing new PRs or you’re drudging through the StairMaster, listening to podcasts is the perfect distraction. And, unlike music, podcasts are immersive and insightful—they make you feel like you’re doing something for your brain, too.

So, technically? You’re exercising your body and your mind—that’s multitasking at its finest. Ultimately, though, it all comes down to one question: How bad do you want to feel good? To get a little more specific, here are a few key reasons why listening to podcasts while working out can be so worth it:

Makes Workouts More Enjoyable

Some days, working out is the LAST thing you want to do. And when exercising feels like a chore, it can crush your motivation and make you lose sight of the “why.” Like Caroline Stanbury said on Uncut and Uncensored, “99.9% is your mindset.” If you’re not pumped, your workout won’t be either.

A great podcast, however, can make your workout something you look forward to! Whether you’re craving a true crime mystery or quick 20-minute pep talk, podcasts are the mental distraction your brain needs. If you need a boost of encouragement, check out “Building a Better Mindset” from Transform!

Boost Motivation and Consistency

Where you have motivation, you have consistency. As much as you might want to do something, you’re not actually going to do it unless you’re motivated. And if you do even though you’re dreading it (more power to you, BTW), you won’t enjoy it. 

Podcasts keep you engaged, entertained, and ready to lock TF in. They give you a reason to want to hit play on your workout, especially if you save your favorite episodes for the gym. To learn more about this, tune into the episode, “Katie Austin, Fitness Expert: From Athlete to Fitness Mogul, Sports Illustrated Swim Success, Shifting Your Workout Mindset, & More.”

Helps You Learn While You Sweat

If you’re someone who struggles with toxic productivity—this one’s for you. When you workout, it’s so easy to think about all of the OTHER things you could be checking off your to-do list. This is where the right show or episode can truly change the game.

Here’s the cool thing about podcasts: what you listen to is totally personal preference. If you want to feel like you’re multitasking, listen to topics that inspire you! Or, tune into episodes that can teach you something new. It’s productivity—with a side of sweat.  

Maybe start with “Why We Should Undercommit, Embrace Mediocrity, and Unsubscribe From Toxic Productivity” from Well with Arielle Lorre. We have a feeling it’s just what you need.

Improves Mental Focus and Mindfulness

As much as you may enjoy your routine at the moment, workouts can get SOOO boring and monotonous. Same amount of reps, same weight, same 50 minute loop. It gets mundane as hell. And here’s why that’s bad news: things can stop feeling productive and start to feel… stale. 

But the right podcasts can help you stay present and in tune with your body. Seriously, it is that deep. When you listen to something that holds your attention, you’re training yourself to keep your wandering mind on track. And that, in itself, is a form of mindfulness training! We talk a little more about this in “How to Shift Your Mindset & Stay Focused.”

Builds a Positive Routine and Habit Loop

Have you ever heard someone talk about “runners’ high” and thought about how there’s no way it’s a real thing? Like, how could someone possibly enjoy running that much? It’s because they’ve built a positive routine around it!

And if you listen to podcasts while working out, you can create a positive feedback loop, too. It really is that easy. Your brain begins to associate exercise with enjoyment instead of dread, and that shift changes everything. For a little help, listen to “Habits and Mindset Shifts Ft. Michael & Lauryn Bosstick” from The Bossticks.

What Are the Best Podcasts to Listen to While Exercising?

The Bossticks

If you’re someone who loves learning about anything and everything, The Bossticks is THE podcast for you. Hosts Lauryn Evarts Bosstick and Michael Bosstick are a powerful, inquisitive duo, and their guests reflect that. Think: world class leaders, entrepreneurs, doctors, celebrities, athletes, authors, executives, experts, andmore.

Each episode deep dives into a totally unique topic, from boundaries for success to how to detox the right way. This dynamic power couple also branches off into solo episodes to discuss things like health, wellness, success, and business. It’s a total must-listen if you crave a heaping side of knowledge with your workouts. 

What We Said

Hosts Jaci Marie and Chelsey Jade make each episode of What We Said feel like cozy girl talk over a glass of wine. Basically, you can mentally transport yourself from crunches to the couch—which is the ultimate goal, right?

Each week, the girls talk honestly and openly about everything from health and business to relationships and self-care. They also answer listener Q&As, like in “Coworker Drama,” and cover trending hot topics in pop culture. If you’re looking for a little easygoing mental distraction while you workout, Chelsey and Jaci have you covered.

Believable: The Coco Berthmann Story

If you haven’t listened to Believeable: The Coco Berthmann Story yet… you’re in for a TREAT. Dear Media’s first true crime podcast, hosted by Sarah Ganim and Karen Given, dives deep into the story of Coco Berthmann, internet star turned accused fraudster. 

Coco grew up in Germany, was sheltered and supported by families in Utah, and became a hot commodity on social media. Then, suddenly, she was arrested for raising money for a fake cancer diagnosis. The lies don’t stop (or start) there, though. If your workout doesn’t get those beats per minute up, this podcast sure will. 

Once you’re finished, make sure to tune into “Survivor & Counter Human Sex Trafficking Specialist Coco Berthmann” from The Bossticks. It’s a must-listen if you want to hear from Coco—pre-arrest.

Wellness Her Way

With fitness comes wellness, and that can be rough terrain to navigate at times. Fortunately, the host of Wellness Her Way, Gracie Norton, is your girl for the job. Gracie discusses what it means to achieve true abundance through physical growth, emotional balance, and a fulfilling life. 

Want to learn how to support lean muscle and recovery? Tune into “Everything You Need to Know About Amino Acids, Creatine, and Protein.” Or, if you’re still finding your footing in fitness, check out “Systems That Make Consistency Simple.” She approaches each topic with expert advice, tried-and-true experience, and total honesty.

Dear Gabby

Gabby Bernstein, bestselling author, international speaker, and host of Dear Gabby, is the QUEEN of spirituality and personal growth. She had one goal in mind when making this podcast: helping listeners become the happiest person they know.

Consider her your virtual mental health coach as she discusses living with purpose, guided mediations, and protecting your peace. Each episode offers an abundance of knowledge that makes exercising your mind as appealing as exercising your body. Start with “How to Align Your Energy to Attract What You Want,” it’s a powerful one.

Beyond the Mat

After Bryony Deery was in a life-changing car accident at 17 years old, she turned to Pilates for symptom relief. And guess what? It worked. After learning how powerful this practice was, she created Beyond the Mat and her own Pilates app to help motivate, inspire, and encourage others.

Each week, Bryony invites entrepreneurs, celebrities, thought-leaders, athletes, and experts to have deep convos and full-disclosure moments. We’re talking tips for breaking free from what’s holding you back and how to set aligned and intentional goals. This podcast is full of actionable advice that you can apply to every area of your life—workouts included.

The Dating Detectives

Not feeling motivated? Don’t worry, as soon as you tune into The Dating Detectives, you’ll be motivated in no time. Private Investigator Mackenzie Fultz and Comedian Hanna Anderson dive into allll the red flags in the dating world. Liars, cheaters, con-men, manipulators—you name it, they cover it. 

And, let’s be real, nothing gets the blood pumping like putting a fraud right back in their place. Some episodes are lighthearted and humorous, like “Premeditated Bologna-ing,” and others are more serious and eye-opening, like “The One That Got Away.” Regardless, it’s definitely the fuel you need to pump through a workout each day.

The Art of Being Well

Like we mentioned earlier, health and wellness can be a little intimidating—especially when you don’t know where to start. Dr. Will Cole, leading functional medicine expert and host of The Art of Being Well, turns the topic into something relatable, supportive, and exciting. 

Each episode dives deep into all of the exciting ways to nurture your body, spirit, mind, and relationships—it’s the perfect pairing to your daily workout routine. Start with “The New Microbiome-Metabolism Science & The GLP-1 Connection You Need to Know.” It’s equal parts exciting and informative!

Almost Adulting

Violet Benson, host of Almost Adulting, feels like the big sister we’ve always wanted. This podcast is your one-stop shop for all things personal growth, mental health, and self-improvement. And, honestly, it can be a much-needed break from fitness podcasts. Like, her episode “Why You Need to Stop Caring Who Thinks You’re Cringe?” YES, please.

Some weeks, she puts out solo episodes full of personal experiences and researched expert advice. Other weeks, we get to hear from a range of guests that offer inspiring conversations and unique insight. You’re already on the self-improvement journey at the gym, why not use podcasts to elevate the experience even more?

The Dream Bigger Podcast

Who better to get your health and wellness advice from than Arrae founder and host of The Dream Bigger Podcast? Siffat Haider has built her brand on becoming your best self—whether that’s through skincare, exercise, business, or confidence.

For example, “Why We Should All Be Gold Diggers” is for the ones who wanna tune into some entrepreneurial advice while burning those calories. On the other hand, “The Truth About Carbs, GLP-1s, Sustainable Results” is for those who wanna up their nutrition game. With guests like wellness experts, skincare gurus, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders? You won’t wanna miss a thing.

Listening to music while exercising is OUT—tuning into podcasts is IN.

If you ask us, working out and listening to podcasts go hand-in-hand. Yeah, you could throw on your favorite playlist, but that can get a liiitlleeee… boring. Plus, why listen to the same songs on repeat when you could tune into your favorite podcast hosts each day? With so many different topics, talking points, and information to learn, consider this the BEST way to multitask. 

Want more where this came from? Check out the different Dear Media shows to find your new faves! Trust us, you’ll be tuning into every single one. And, after your workout, don’t forget to head to the Dear Media blog. We cover all things fitness, health, wellness, relationships, friendships, self-care—you get it. And, finally, you can’t miss the hottest new products in the DM Shop. This “Feel Good” Trucker is the PERFECT workout accessory.