Athletes typically have a playlist to help them get pumped up, but it's also important to have a playlist for arguably the most important part of the workout:stretching and cooling down. Having a playlist of songs that can take the mood down is a great way to relax after an intense workout session or game.
Listen to the Cooldown Sesh Playlist on Spotify!
- “A Sunday Kind Of Love” by Etta James
“A Sunday Kind Of Love” was released in 1960 by Etta James. This R&B/Soul song incorporates beautiful melody lines and instrumentals. It's a great way to bring down the mood and begin to cool down your muscles.
- “C U Girl” by Steve Lacy
Steve Lacy released this as a single on SoundCloud in 2015. This single is a groovy song that will help take your stretches deeper than you could ever imagine.
- “Strawberry Skies” by Kid Travis
Kid Travis released this single in 2020 off of his “Strawberry Skies” EP that amassed over 1 million streams. It is the perfect tune to listen to as you stretch after a hard workout.
- “Stretch” by Orion Sun
Look at the name of the song. Enough said!
- “Real Friends” by Kanye West
Kanye West's record, The Life Of Pablo, was released in 2016, and has been streamed over three billion times. The album notoriously incorporated choral harmonies and is arguably one of the greatest albums of the year. This song is perfect for that much-needed water break in between stretches.
- “2” by Her
2 was released in 2017 on Her's first self-titled, studio album. Her wanted the album to showcase the experience of what it means to be a woman and wanted to tell an authentic story from “Her” perspective, no pun intended.
- “Thinkin Bout You” by Frank Ocean
“Thinkin Bout You” was released back in 2012. This song has to be included because who doesn't love “Thinkin Bout You?” It's the perfect song to transition into your Warrior II Pose.
Related: Top 10 Workout Songs for Student-Athletes
- “Feels Like Summer” by Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino released this song in 2018 with his “Summer Pack” album. The bright vocals and groovy bass line call for an all-around feel-good song. This song is a great way to wind down your stretch sesh.
- “Hit Different” by SZA, The Neptunes, Pharrell Williams, Ty Dolla $ign
“Hit Different” was released in 2020. The bass-heavy song is a great way for you to start standing up, taking deep breaths, and getting centered.
- “She” by Tyler, The Creator; Frank Ocean
“She” was released in 2011. This song is a collaboration between best friends & some of the most renowned artists of the 21st century. It's a perfect way to close out your stretching and cool down session.
Music can be a great tool to set your mind and intentions on the goals at hand. Curating playlists for moments and moods can be a great strategy to keep your head in the game!
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* Originally published on April 26, 2022, by Matthew Reichen
