Tired of your hip hop and pop workout mix? NPR has got you covered with this fast-paced playlist for your next cardio session. Who knew classical music could be so sweaty? Try this out next time you want to work on your core strength, stamina, and “awesome abs.”

Einstein on the Beach ,"Knee Play 3"

Artist: Various

Album: Philip Glass: Einstein on the Beach

Perfectly chiseled abs, like the music of Philip Glass, is all about repetitions. You just have to keep repeating those crunches, over and over. And, if you find your mind drifting off to Bordeaux futures, this jaunty little ditty will keep you on track. It does the counting for you.

Cover for Ligeti: Edition Five Mechanical Music

Hungarian Rock, for barrel organ

Artist: Various

Album: Ligeti: Edition Five Mechanical Music

Yes, it's true: Any successful workout needs the adrenaline rush that only quality rock 'n' roll can provide. It's essential for cardiovascular health. But thanks to Gyorgy Ligeti, our exercise regimen is safe from resorting to such nuisances as Huey Lewis and the News or Jefferson Starship. Listening to the breathless chords, puffing out of a barrel organ played by Pierre Charial, will furnish you with a template of breathing patterns for any Stairmaster or elliptical. And you thought classical music didn't rock?

Hercules: "The god of battle quits the bloody field"

Artist: Marc Minkowski

Album: Handel: Hercules

What manly workout could be complete without some coaching from the original strongman himself -- Hercules? Handel's 1745 music drama, titled Hercules, finds our hero, in this aria, talking a little trash about his victories, but ready to lay down the "bloody shield" in exchange for carnal delights. Good advice for leaders of any era, and for those who use the gym for cruising.

Hekla (Volcano), tone poem for orchestra, Op. 52

Artist: Various

Album: Earquake

Ah, the sweet, clangorous sound of iron and steel. You pump it with your arms. You hear it in your ears. You'll feel like you could lift a Steinway over your head while listening to this pounding piece, tricked out with a bulging 22-man percussion section. Reportedly, the musicians wore earplugs to record this delicate piece. Bunch of sissies.

"Adagietto" (from Symphony No. 5)

Artist: Various

Album: Mahler: Symphony No. 5

Few composers have stormed the heavens with such self-possessed conviction as Gustav Mahler. His muscular, monumental symphonies last longer than Die Hard 2 and are truly awesome. And, more to the point, truly manly. But, like any discerning athlete, Mahler understood the benefits of gradually cooling down. He knew how to chill -- big time. The silken strings in this "Adagietto" will soothe your aching muscles, replenish mental agility and bring that pulse back down to earth.

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