For a slow pace, "Le Freak" by Chic or "Don't Phunk With My Heart," by the Black Eyed Peas. For a moderate pace, "Push It," by Salt-N-Pepa or "SOS," by Rihanna; and for a fast pace, "Firestarter," by the Prodigy or "Mr. Brightside," by the Killers.

FITNESS magazines and Web sites love to ask readers about their favorite workout music while presenting their playlists or suggestions from celebrities. Self.com features the “ ’80s cardio playlist,” which includes the short-shorts video classic “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham! On Fitnessmagazine.com, the singer Rihanna reveals her favorite workout songs — immodestly recommending four of her own for “when you have to pick up the pace on the treadmill.”

The playlist fixation has a scientific basis: Studies have shown that listening to music during exercise can improve results, both in terms of being a motivator (people exercise longer and more vigorously to music) and as a distraction from negatives like fatigue. But are certain songs more effective than others?