As summer approaches, the concept of the idealized “summer body” springs from the mouths of those that believe they have grasped the ideology behind bodily appreciation and function. Of course, the “perfect” summer body is a completely arbitrary concept, in that no single body is superior to another. However, this does not mean that some of us college students are not wishing to shed a few pounds (for our own, more personal desires instead of pandering to that of societal standards). Gyms will begin filling up soon, and along with finding the best workout clothing (which, for me, is simply running shorts and an old t-shirt), people will be compiling lists of tracks for their workout playlists. As someone that has grown up in a family that is very connected through musicianship, music and, by this extent, workout playlists are incredibly important to me. If you need the extra motivation, these tunes can help you along when you’re drenched in sweat and praying for leg day to end.

I am also a ginormous anime nerd, but some of you are probably aware of that by now. However, it is entirely possible that some of you have not heard an anime theme song beyond that of the classic, nineties Pokemon themes, or other standards like Dragon Ball Z’s “Rock the Dragon” (or any other variants, of which there are many). Opening themes—combined with their animation—serve as a means of providing some sort of insight into the show itself, while also preparing you for the tone of the show that you happen to be watching. And most of these shows have phenomenal opening numbers that can easily double as workout inspiration.

For those that are avid fans like myself, I will provide a disclaimer before launching into my list of themes that I believe would be the most beneficial in this situation. While many of the songs on this list are bombastic, I’m excluding numbers that would be described as “epic,” so songs like “Unravel” from Tokyo Ghoul will not be making appearances on this list. It isn’t that I don’t think the songs are wonderful (I actually happen to think that opening is marvelous), I just think other songs would serve potential exercisers in more positive manners. However, to each his/her/their own! Additionally, I may discuss some shows in brief, and while I will be avoiding large spoilers, foreshadowing will be mentioned. And finally, I will include clips of these opening themes, if they can be found on Youtube.

10. Spyair – “I’m a Believer” (Haikyuu!! Season Two)

Fittingly, we’re starting this list with the opening of a sports anime. The Youtube channel “Mother’s Basement” provides a really fantastic look into this OP and analyzes exactly why it succeeds in hyping up the audience, but I won’t be discussing the animation itself. Instead, I want to focus on the lyrics. Yes, I said “the lyrics.” The majority of anime themes are generally in Japanese, and this song is no different, but the select English lyrics deliver the point of the song. “I’m a Believer” is all about not giving up on your goal and continuing to fight, despite the fact that everyone is questioning your ability to do so. That chanting of “So what?” conveys the assured nature of the lead singer as he continues to fight for what he wants, and what could be more important than personal motivation while you’re running on the treadmill.

9. “H.T.” – Tsuneo Imahori (Trigun)

This is a classic. However, unlike the more jazz-oriented “Tank!” from Cowboy Bebop, “H.T.” is relies upon slick, yet very heavily distorted guitar riffs that crash into one another consistently. Much like “Tank!” though, “H.T.” doesn’t have any lyrics (technically, “Tank!” has twenty words, but they’re more for introductory purposes). This tune is more for those that need background music as they’re working out, seeing as the lack of words will lessen the possibility of distraction. Additionally, the main riff of the song literally sounds like footsteps running in a continuous loop, so the desire to cease in your efforts will be significantly lessened.

8. “ambiguous” – GARNiDELiA (Kill la Kill)

The entire Kill la Kill soundtrack is amazing, and while “Don’t Lose Your Way” would be my personal choice as to the best track in the entirety of the show, “ambiguous” is quite clearly the go-to workout number. I would argue that this soundtrack stands out the most in regards to everything else on this list because the music is a character itself, much like the music in the anime Guilty Crown (although all of the music from that anime is lovely and tragic, not very upbeat and kick ass). The show is all about embracing yourself—particularly your body—and with GARNiDELiA’s uplifting voice is enough to help you power through. Think of your potential bathing suit as akin to that of a Goku uniform; use it to enhance your own being!

7. “Flyers” – Bradio (Death Parade)

This song is flawless. I, and many others, would argue that this opening theme is one of the best to be released in last decade. Imagine “Uptown Funk,” but with more guitars (and a significantly larger brass section). In contrast to many of the numbers on this list, this opening theme is meant to be a foil to the dark, heart wrenching tone of the show, which deals with death and what truly happens to a soul in the afterlife. During the first opening shots, the images of the funeral flowers in tandem with the dancing, exuberant characters prepares the viewer for the onslaught of haphazard chaos that is to ensue, but no other song on this list will make you want to dance the night away quite like this one.

6. “Seishun wa Hanabi no you ni” – Linked Horizon (Attack on Titan: Junior High)

When I first saw this manga on the shelves of Books a Million, I’ll admit, I wrote it off pretty quickly. I didn’t think it could possibly match up to the original source material, and honestly, I was getting a little tired of the lack of seriousness that was being afforded to the original (which has been delayed, yet again). I’m very pleased to report that I was wrong, and the concept of middle school titan fighters running around cursing and existing as manifestations of shipping trash has actually been incredibly successful. As for the opening theme, Linked Horizon delivers once again. Much like “Guren no Yumiya”—the song that drove the whole world crazy when it was first released—the song is loud and fast paced from the beginning, once again utilizing the German chamber choir. However, unlike its depressing, terrifying older brother, "Seishun we Hanabi no you ni" is actually a good time. While the other songs might have you fearing for you life, this tune will have you wanting to strap yourself into the 3DMG and fly through the skies.

5. “Enamel” – SID (Black Butler: Book of Circus)

When the third season of Black Butler was announced, fans everywhere sort of grumbled to themselves about the terrible previous season, bracing themselves for the onslaught of awful that was surely to arrive when the show aired. Thankfully, we were all proven incorrect when Book of Circus made its debut, reviving the dark, twisted, sinister world of the Phantomhive manor that we all know and love. The opening theme didn't disapoint, either. SID returned with this absolute smash, blowing away their previous opening from the first season (which was already pretty fantastic). "Enamel" is a J-Rock tune of the highest caliber, including soaring vocals, funky keyboards, and a general rhythm that will have you banging your head as if you were attending a rock concert.

Did I mention that the words "Yes, my lord" are included? Because they are. And many a fangirl screamed when she heard it.

4. “Dried Up Youthful Fame” – OLDCODEX (Free!! Eternal Summer)

Ah, yes. Free!! The swimming anime that suddenly made thousands of nerds start caring about team sports. This show has a great deal of fine points (great dialogue, fantastic pacing, beautiful animation), but the opening themes for this show are its selling points. While "Rage On" from the first season could have very easily made this list, I chose "Dried Up Youthful Fame" because this song resonates with more people than that of a standard, angry rock song. The build up is quick, but not enough to throw you for a loop, and when the chorus erupts, you'll feel as though you can take on the world (or, you know, the bench press).

3. “The Hero” –JAM Project (One Punch Man)

THREE. TWO. ONE. KILL SHOT.

Okay, but in all seriousness, this might just be one of the best anime to come out in years, and while I was hesitant to hop on the bandwagon until recently, I can confirm that this anime might just be brilliant. The song, however, had me sold long before watching the show itself. Bombastic, in your face actions from the beginning—wherein JAM Project’s lead singer yells, “One punch!”—this is a classic rock song about kicking ass and taking names. It isn’t nuanced like some of the other tunes on this list, but honestly, that kind of song wouldn’t fit the tone of the show at all. So, if you’re training to get that muscular, superhero bod, “The Hero” might be for you (and Genos, but that’s a different story completely).

2. “Jiyuu no Tsubasa” – Linked Horizon (Attack on Titan)

Yes, you read that correctly. I mentioned Attack on Titan twice, and “Guren no Yumiya” hasn’t been included at all. Blasphemy, right?

Nope. I would agree with the content creator at “Mother’s Basement” in saying that “Jiyuu no Tsubasa” is an all-around better song on nearly every level, with or without the animation. While I mentioned earlier that "Guren no Yumiya" is kind of terrifying during the first listen, "Jiyuu no Tsubasa" is the exact opposite; the song itself is written as a sort of ode to the Survey Corps, the bravest, strongest soldiers in the military, and instead of installing a sense of dread, this song is meant to provide a sense of hope that, despite everything that is happening, everything might actually turn out alright (unless you've read the manga, like me; we know that things will literally never be okay and that they are only growing worse). This song is literally a self insert military workout theme, and what could be more exciting than doing sit-ups in preparation for using the three dimensional maneuver gear?

Honorable Mentions:

“Steppin’ Out” –Flow (Durarara!!x2 Ketsu)

This honorable mentions list exists solely so I can mention this song. The season has only just been released, so I was hesitant to place it in the top ten, but this is one of the best openings Flow have ever written, in my humble opinion (and that's saying something, given the literal ton of themes they've written). Durarara needed a more dance-oriented number to balance the death and destruction that this current season has promised us, and the juxtaposition has not been lost on the audience. With the aiding artistic skills of GARNiDELiA (from our eighth spot), this song is just plain fun. With the continued repetition of "steppin' out tonight," this song will have you working to get that summer nightlife body.

“Overnight Appointment” – Hello Sleepwalkers (Noragami)

There isn't too much to say about this song because it's pure, unadulterated rock and roll from the very beginning. Honestly, the lack of dynamics is what prevented it from making the official top ten, but given its general in-your-face attitude, I simply couldn't ignore it completely.

“This Game”—Suzuki Konomi (No Game No Life)

This song just barely toes the line between workout worthy and "epic," and while the slow build and crescendo make it seem more along the lines of the latter, the general premise of the song--fighting to take your life back and control your destiny--places it firmly within exercise bounds.

1.“Red Fraction” – MELL (Black Lagoon)

Widely considered one of the best "adult" anime out there, Black Lagoon delivers one of the most bombastic, hardcore openings out there, complete with cursing, violent imagery, and some references to "kill or be killed" situations. However, this really isn't a rock song. Instead, it's akin to that of a pop tune that decided to hang out with Taylor Momsen for an evening and developed a drinking problem. MELL's voice is harsh and confident, and honestly, there are moments that seem as if she's singing from Revy's point of view. The fast pace and the distorted guitars make it impossible to stop running (I've tested this), and the tune itself gives the air that anyone badass enough to handle working out to this song might be able to hang with the Lagoon Company, the craziest band of transporters alive.

Disclaimer: As stated earlier, this song does include cursing and the video itself includes pseudo-sexual imagery. Let's remember that most anime really isn't for children.