Nostalgia isn’t just fun—it’s a workout superpower
You’re mid-workout, pushing through those last few reps, when “Toxic” by Britney Spears or “Holiday” by Green Day starts playing. Suddenly, you’ve got a second wind. The energy shifts, and just like that, your workout feels easier.
In 2024, throwbacks like these weren’t just a fun surprise—they became essential in fitness soundtracks. Tracks from the 2000s and earlier were both nostalgic and motivating. Coi Leray’s “Players,” with its interpolation of a Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five classic, was a perfect example of this trend. “Players” blends old-school vibes with fresh energy to keep workouts feeling exciting and personal.
It’s no surprise that 83% of users preferred soundtracks that mixed new hits with familiar favorites. Nostalgic music don’t just make workouts more enjoyable—they create moments that stick with you.
The soundtrack that defined 2024
Nostalgia shaped fitness soundtracks last year, blending classic hits with modern mixes. Some standout moments included:
- Coi Leray’s nostalgic flair: Her hit “Players,” sampling Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five’s “The Message,” dominated soundtracks. Striking the perfect balance between familiarity and fresh energy made Coi Leray the Queen of Fitness Music in 2024.
- The pop-punk revival: The 2000s came roaring back, with fitness apps embracing tracks like Avril Lavigne’s “Sk8er Boi,” Green Day’s “Holiday,” and Paramore’s biggest anthems. Pop-Punk stations became favorites for high-intensity workouts.
- Timeless icons: Britney Spears’s “Toxic” and Usher’s “Yeah!” (feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris)--riding high on his 2024 halftime show performance–had a second wind, proving that some hits never lose their power.
- Rock’s resurgence: Rock jumped to the second most-played genre of the year. Trainers mixed modern bands like Spiritbox and Turnstile with classics from Heart and My Chemical Romance, creating high-energy, multi-generational soundtracks.
This mix of nostalgic music and fresh sounds kept workouts engaging, helping people push through tough sessions while staying connected to music they love.
Why nostalgia worked so well
Why did nostalgia resonate so deeply in 2024? It wasn’t just about good memories—it was about motivation. Recognizable songs trigger emotional connections, making workouts feel less like work and more like an experience. Music tied to personal memories brings a sense of joy and energy, which naturally makes people push harder and last longer.
Nostalgic music also offered something for everyone. Whether you grew up with ‘80s rock, ‘90s pop, or 2000s punk, hearing a favorite song mid-workout provided a sense of comfort and motivation. For fitness brands, tapping into that emotional connection meant deeper user engagement and better retention.
How nostalgia changed the game
The success of nostalgic music in 2024 didn’t just enhance workouts—it reshaped music strategies for fitness and wellness brands. Music stations like Throwback Jams and 2000s Pop Punk showed that nostalgia and modern hits could coexist, creating dynamic, engaging music experiences that users couldn’t get enough of.
The key was balance: familiar songs kept people connected, while new releases kept things fresh. This mix kept workouts exciting while delivering the emotional boost that only nostalgia can provide.
Looking ahead
If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that nostalgia isn’t just a passing trend—it’s a proven strategy for engagement and motivation. Whether it’s Britney, Green Day, or a fresh spin on a classic, familiar tracks have a way of connecting us to the past while pushing us forward.
As fitness and wellness brands plan for 2025, one thing is clear: nostalgia will continue to shape the way we move. Nothing hits quite like a throwback when you need that extra push.
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