Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The 10 best podcasts to listen to while working out

Workouts can be tough, but the right motivation can help, especially listening to the best fitness podcasts

At times, it can be a little hard to find some motivation to hit the gym, especially when it’s a pure cardio day, and you cannot, for the life of you, convince yourself to people-watch for 30 minutes straight. Workout music or playlists (or worse, gym music) can be very hit or miss at times and just won’t cut it. So, what do you do?

Might we recommend that you skip the music altogether and try a podcast? A good podcast, one that really does its job, is one that captivates you from the jump, and during a workout, you want one that can do a few different things. Sometimes, a good workout podcast is motivating. Sometimes, it’s a good conversation about something you’re already interested in. And other times, the best workout podcast is one that tells you about something you didn’t already know.

Next thing you know, time apparently flew by, and you’ve already been on the elliptical for 50 minutes. Want to have that scenario happen on a consistent basis? Then check out our picks for the best fitness podcasts regarding all things wellness — from geeky science episodes and biohacking your gut to listening to awe-inspiring stories or breaking news, these are the best around.

Huberman LabHuberman Lab podcast.

If you love geeking out over science, Huberman Lab is one to check out. Andrew Huberman is a neuroscientist who teaches at Stanford University School of Medicine. Since his launch, he has become a fan favorite, oftentimes the number one podcast in the categories of health/fitness, education, and science. His episodes go over the in-depth science (especially neuroscience) of everything health related and how to truly maximize your health potential.

The Right Time with Bomani Jones

Sometimes you want a smart discussion about your interests while you’re working out. If you’re interested in sports, you won’t find anyone in the industry smarter than Bomani Jones. With three episodes per week, Bomani is certain to make you consider an angle about your favorite sports stories that you haven’t yet considered. 

Mindset Mentor

“Tune in if you’re ready to take your life to the next level.” Mindset Mentor makes the meantime of a mean workout more meaningful. Host Rob Dial has a gift for making people strive to be the best versions of themselves, and you’re already mid-workout! Easy to double down on that work. 

Ben Greenfield LifeBen Greenfield LIfe podcast.

Ben Greenfield is scholarly in all things fitness, holding double master’s degrees in sports science and exercise physiology. His episodes cover multiple topics like optimizing health and human performance and include interviews with industry-leading experts. From fitness, biohacking, nutrition, fat loss, and anti-aging, to everything in between, this podcast has it all.

Science VS

Maybe you want to learn something while you’re working out. I know I often do. Science VS from Gimlet Media separates the facts from the fads and the fictions, and it’s pretty captivating in the process. 

The Human Upgrade with Dave AspreyThe Human Upgrade with Dave Asprey podcast.

The inventor of Bulletproof coffee, Dave Asprey, is widely regarded as the “father of biohacking,” as he, himself, uses the latest in science and tech to help himself accomplish his goal of living to the age of 180. He interviews expert guests on how to “hack” different facets of life and wellness to teach people to maximize their capabilities of the mind, body, and life — living an “upgraded human” life.

All Fantasy Everything

Sometimes a really compelling podcast simply offers a really compelling argument. All Fantasy Everything puts the lens and structure of fantasy sports on everything. What goes first in the draft of Thanksgiving food? What’s your sleeper pick on superpowers? The results are sure to be epic. 

ESPN Daily

If you only have time for a quick workout in the morning and you want a well-produced and always interesting look into the most pertinent sports stories of the day, ESPN Daily is the podcast for you. A quick sweat and a fascinating conversation are great for getting your day started. 

Mind Pump PodcastMind Pump Podcast.

Mind Pump podcast offers the “raw” fitness truth, helping to debunk bogus fitness influencers and inefficient at-home programs. They dive into wellness and “pull back the curtain on the mythology, snake oil, and pseudo-science that pervades the fitness industry.” With a combined 40 years of fitness experience, the guys explore and provide the truth of fitness today.

30 for 30

If you’re looking for a longer narrative for a longer workout, try out ESPN’s 30 for 30 podcast series. The 30 for 30 documentary series has been widely lauded, and the podcast series is definitely of the same quality. Closer looks into yoga scams, play-by-plays on how Donald Sterling lost the LA Clippers in shame, and more. 

Speeding up time

Sometimes the best way to zone out is by zoning in… especially on one of these, the best fitness podcasts to listen to right now. Before long, time will have flown by and your workout will be complete.

Editors' Recommendations

Jeff Turbett
Contributor
Jeff Turbett is a health and wellness coach with over three years of experience transforming clients lives and physical…
10 great movies like Indiana Jones for you to stream next
Nicolas Cage and Johnny Depp give Harrison Ford a run for his money
movies like indiana jones the mummy

We know that if you're as excited for Indiana Jones and the Dial and Destiny as we are, you've probably already taken some precautionary liberties so as to percolate your patience for one of the best movies of the summer. You may have already binged the classic films in the franchise such as Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Temple of Doom, some of the true greats in Harrison Ford's catalogue. You may have even watched some Star Wars to compare the heroic theatrics of Indiana Jones versus Han Solo.

But even after enjoying all there is to offer from these legendary annals of Hollywood history, and seeing the just-released flick itself, you might be craving a bit more adventure. That's where the best movies like Indiana Jones come in! These films are all defined by their swashbuckling setting, historical aesthetic and backdrop, and masculine explorers who will hustle and tussle their way to the top.

Read more
The best Val Kilmer movies of all time
Thief, swordsman, or genius? Take your pick of these Val Kilmer movies to watch

Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock

When the announcement dropped that Willow was coming back as a TV series on Disney+, fans were buzzing to know which of the original cast members would also make their return. The biggest freak-out was over the possible appearance of Val Kilmer's infamous character Madmartigan, especially since he had just reprised his role in Top Gun: Maverick. Willow has already aired, so we don't want to spoil it if you haven't watched it yet. In the meantime, we have a list of Val Kilmer movies you need to watch to appreciate this magical soul.

Read more
The 11 best Arnold Schwarzenegger movies, ranked
From The Terminator to Total Recall, these are the best Arnold Schwarzenegger movies from his long career
Scene from Last Action Hero

Action hero, bodybuilder, businessman, and governor: Arnold Schwarzenegger is a true testament to the American dream. Born in Austria in 1947, he was driven at a young age by his harsh upbringing and societal pressure to conform. His father, a cold and rigid policeman, expected him to follow in his footsteps and join the force, but Arnold vowed to never let anybody tell him who to be.
Starting at the very young age of 15, Schwarzenegger began his physical and psychological training, which would eventually turn him into a weightlifting and bodybuilding master. With his first Mr. Universe title in 1967 at the age of 20, he began to taste stardom and proceeded to win the next four years in a row. Many people know him for his physical and psychological feats, but everyone else knows him for his career in front of the camera starring in some of the best action movies ever made.
If you're just dipping your toe into Arnie's career, these are the best Arnold Schwarzenegger movies to start with.

11. Last Action Hero (1993)

Read more