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Music to really move to

Posted: Tuesday, February 27, 2007 6:42 PM
Filed Under: , ,

By Jeanette Jenkins

I recently wrote about how you can break exercise boredom with a cardio blast. Well, here’s another way: listen to great music!

 

Having a super playlist of tunes can really motivate you during your workout. Music entertains you and helps keep your mind off the monotony of jogging or cycling, for instance.

 

But it also helps get those feet and arms pumping to the beat – and keeps them moving throughout your exercise session. You may even want to sing along – but refrain, please, unless you’re sweating it out solo!

 

It can be hard, though, to keep up with all the latest, greatest workout music. Sometimes you know the beat of a song that you love but you just can’t remember who sings it. So here is one of my personal playlists that I use in my studio to energize clients:

 

“Glamorous” by Fergie

“Maneater” by Nelly Furtado

“My Love” by Justin Timberlake

“Hollywood” by Jay-Z, featuring Beyonce

“Entourage” by Omarion

“Ever Blazin’” by Sean Paul

“Money Maker” by Ludacris

“So Excited” by Janet Jackson

“Tell Me” by P. Diddy, featuring Christina Aguilera

“Hood Boy” by Fantasia

“Hip Hop is Dead” by Nas

“Walk It Out” by Unk

 

Of course, maybe you have some greatest workout hits of your own! 

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Comments

Awful!

Jay (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 10:31 AM)

I trust the weekly podcasts that I download from a known music site for my workouts. I'm guaranteed a great music variety, one of them maintains a constante pace througout the mix; e.g., 143 beats per minute or 175 bpm depending on your mood or resistance, and they are also free.

Jesus Bauza, Fairfax, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 12:36 PM)

That list definitely wouldn't work with me because it isn't anything I would ever listen to...I think it's a matter of finding music with the right tempo that you like, too.  Heck, there's an old They Might Be Giants song that I love walking to - if I walk to the beat, I get a really good 3-4 minute burst that can really get the heart pumping...

Katie Spring, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 12:37 PM)

"Glamorous" by Fergie????  That song isn't even fast!

Karen (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 12:43 PM)

The bottom line is to listen to what you like with a beat that you can follow without your heart rate going through the roof.  

Donna, Eau Claire, WI (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 1:28 PM)

Kanye West - The workout plan

Zizi (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 1:41 PM)

I love running to punk music!  It has a really fast tempo and some of the lyrics are really funny.

Kerri (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 1:54 PM)

It appears we see eye to eye on a number of exercise strategies. I engage in interspersing cardio activities with strength exercises and have incorporated music as an essential component of my workouts for over forty years. I find that music that stimulates your physio-spirit provides the ideal workout environment. My list includes: It's Not Over - Chris Daughtry, Smooth - Carlos Santana, Bad Day - Daniel Powter, Crazy - Gnarles Barkley, Lips of an Angel - Hinder, Suddenly I See - KT Tunstall,Far Away - Nickelback, and Snow (Hey OH)- Red Hot Chili Peppers....just to name a few.      

Ed Young, Pearland, Tx. (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 2:03 PM)

i agree that music helps work outs! that's the sole reason i invested in an ipod. i'd get bored after my first mile.. which would just make me think of how awful i felt :D. now i just jam out and i can hit 2 or 3 miles without thinking about running, just focused on music.

some good albums i use to work out are Danger Mouses 'The Grey Album' , the Whitest boy alive 'Dreams', Royksopp 'Melody AM' and 'Peeping Tom' (self titled). check them out. :)

fred , Ramstein Air Base (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 2:12 PM)

Those songs are more like 'cool down' songs then workout songs.  They're too slow!

Rhonda, New York, NY (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:24 PM)

That is a pretty crappy list of tunes (except for JT)...but to each his own.  Definately agree that music is a fantastic motivator when it comes to working out.  In fact I CANNOT workout without my tunes.  I make my own workout CD's which include a mix of up-tempo pop tunes (like George Michael's "FLAWLESS" and Justin Timberlake's "MY LOVE") to metal/hard rock like Lacuna Coil.  The main thing is just finding what keeps you pumping and helps to break that monotony that tends to creep in after awhile.

andrea, philadelphia PA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:27 PM)

Music is good sometimes but I found positive affirmation audios for exercise motivation work very well for me.

Ayeda Spino (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 4:27 PM)

Cosmic Thing by The Talking Heads, if this one doesn't burn off all those Valentine chocolates, nothing will;)

Fran Kohlbrenner, Allentown PA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 5:10 PM)

She's obviously a trainer, not a DJ. I've been desperate for new tunes for the IPOD, when you're a marathoner you need entertainment and motivation.  You won't find that in this list.

Please post your suggestions for running songs, at a FAST pace.

Kory, San Diego, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 7:42 PM)

I prefer older songs, Bodyrock by Moby, Queen of the Night by Whitney Houston, Pump It by Blackeyed Peas tend to do the trick for me. It's all about the beat, it helps keep my mind off the pain and onto results. Why not have fun while sweating?

Jane, McAllen, TX (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 8:17 PM)

Fall out boy--this aint a scene, it's a god d*** arms race will surely get you running

sheralee shah. chicago, Il (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:01 PM)

Hey Ya by Outkast

susan, cape may, NJ (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:21 PM)

I love having music to work out, though i think my taste is different than that of the author of this article. My faves are usually dance or electronic music, a little hip-hop, and some fast-paced rockin' tunes. iTunes also puts out a list of good exercise music on their "Essentials" area.

Rick, Westminster, CO (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:46 PM)

Umm...? I'm supposed to work out to this? Alternative is good, and try Ace of Base. ("I saw the sign")

Gracie Wells (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 9:55 PM)

Pearl Jam - Ten. 3X a week for over 10 years and it _never_ gets old.

Mark (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 10:07 PM)

Inna-godda-da-vida by The Iron Butterfly, at 18 minutes long enuf to do a complete workout!

John Doe, Wash. (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 10:13 PM)

Lose Control by Ciara and Missy Elliot always keeps me going. And Go Getta by Young Jeezy. For me, rap/hiphop is the way to go because of the beats!

Victoria, Dallas, Texas (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 10:29 PM)

Snore. Needs more Iron Maiden. (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 1:03 AM)

Wrong box. Oh well. Anyways, whats with all this hip-hop nonsense? It's just third grade poetry.

Needs more Motorhead. (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 1:09 AM)

IT'S SAD THAT MOST PEOPLE, INCLUDING YOU, out there, don't see the whole picture, because the music industry don't want you to!  Long story short.  What people call TECHNO, has many sub-genres, including, well known ones like Trance and Hip Hop.

It's what the industry has America hooked on, ROCK AND RAP, or what I call, CRAP AND CROCK.  Don't get me wrong, I love old school hip hop and classic Rock, but today's music is diluted, flashy, negative, artificially made, and horrible.  While the real good stuff is in Europe and/or Underground.  We treat these Fall Out Boy, Jay-Z, Timberlake, and My chemical romance, these clowns like GODS, because you give them  your money, and they sing a few stupid lyrics and you love them, it's brain washing.

Pop music = little music, a lot of vocals
Electronic music = all music, little vocals

If I want to listen to someone sing or rap, i'll go read/listen to a speech or poem.

I love electronic music, because it can be romantic, euphoric, rought, hard, or relaxing, whatever you want.

So if you want some good beats, and don't want some rapper guy talking junk about violence or his money, try DRUM 'N' BASS, it's Hip Hop MINUS the attitude.

If you don't know the difference between TRANCE, DRUM 'N' BASS, and HOUSE, then check out the website.

1 LUV!

PS - I don't mean to be so hateful and mean, but I'm passionate and saddened by the brainwashing.

Jake the Truthinator (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 1:20 AM)

Um, I don't work out in a night club. Good ole rock'n'roll anthems work best for many people. But thanks for throwing out your "bootylicious" suggestions.

Kate, Germany (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 1:41 AM)

Tinnitus....
What's the point in having a great shaped body but ones' hearing is spoilt.
Living with tinnitus is hell!

Roger Strutton Assens Denmark (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 1:57 AM)

Um, let me point out that Cosmic Thing is by the B-52's and NOT by Talking Heads. But you are right that Talking Heads would be great workout music, I would suggest 1992 The Best of - Once in a Life Time. Classic.

Jen, Sasebo City, Japan (GO NAVY! and leave my husband home) :) (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 2:32 AM)

99 Problems by Jay-Z

John, Davis (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 3:30 AM)

I recommend Subscribing to Podrunner on ITunes by DJ Steveboy.  It's free and he puts out a weekly one-hour podcast of music based off of beats per minute (bpm).  He has music at a slower bpm for walkers as well as fast for runners.  It really helps me keep motivated on the treadmill or eliptical.

Bill Powers, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 4:11 AM)


Jesus Bauza, Fairfax, VA (Sent Wednesday, February 28, 2007 12:36 PM)
Where do you find those weekly podcasts?  what is the name of the site you use???

Jennifer - Boston (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 8:01 AM)

I like to work out to Air Supply, It is so soothing.

Vince Jones (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 8:30 AM)

I listen to alot of Selena and Toto ;)

Doug Cox, Baltimore, MD (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 8:31 AM)

I like to start my workout with stuff like Bodyrockers-I like the way you move then get to songs like Nina Sky-Move your body and Rhianna -Break it off and definately the Black eyed Peas with Pump-it.  They will get you moving that is for sure!

joey (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 9:03 AM)

Jennifer - Boston (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 8:01 AM.
It seems that Bill Powers, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 4:11 AM)learned my secret. PodRunner on Ituned. DJ Steveboy has his own website too if you don't subscribe to iTunes.

Jesus Bauza, Fairfax, VA (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 10:18 AM)

I suggest going back to the '90s and investing some time digging up Jock Jams. They weren't called Jock Jams for nothing- They get you moving!

Maureen, Reading PA (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 10:44 AM)

Metallica, Avenged Sevenfold, and White Zombie always make my work outs more intense, sorry you can't get that from Fergie or JT

Jennie, Schenectady, NY (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 11:25 AM)

"I'm walking on the sunshine"... It may not be the best song, but for whatever reason it keeps me moving.  Also "I've gotta get through this" by Daniel Beddingfield... another motivator.  But hey, that's just me.

The Gator (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 11:25 AM)

(C)Rap and slip-slop are not music. It is bathroom stall poetry with a backing track. Give the past the slip. Try DEVO. That's D-E-V-O, you Mongoloid. Are you not men?

SIB, Devonia, Ohio (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 11:37 AM)

Where is the Rock??  All these tunes are hip-hop, you need to rock out to some Tool or Metallica!

Greg, Groton, ma (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 12:01 PM)

Long as we're sharing play lists -- Here's mine one I use for a five-mile run (I don't run very fast): 1)"Gonna Fly Now" (Theme from Rocky); "Hips don't Lie" - FIFA World Cup verions (Shakira); Tubthumping (Chumbawumba); La Copa de la Vida (Ricky Martin); Black Horse and the Cherry Tree (KT Tunstall); All Star (Smash Mouth); Sweetest Thing (U2); The Sign (Ace of Base); Dance, Dance (Fall Out Boy); Mr. Brightside (the Killers); La Novela (Fulanito); Suddenly I See (KT Tunstall); No Sleep Tonight (The Faders); One Way or Another (Blondie).

Maybe there's something in there people will like.

Brian, Washington DC (Sent Thursday, March 01, 2007 2:34 PM)

Anything by Madonna.  Her catalog can keep me working out forever!

Kevin, Coweta OK (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 11:18 AM)

Chevelle, NIN, Tool, Zombie...  nothing but hard hitting nad intense....

crazy dave, edmond, OK (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 11:20 AM)

Greg,

You're fucking right about Tool!

All hail MJK!

Todd, Johnstown, PA (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 11:26 AM)

Cut out the ballads and the soundtrack to Footloose is challenging.

Bogus Trumper, Rochester NY (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 11:36 AM)

Sandstorm by Da Rude...simply awesome.

Andy, Akron, OH (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 11:42 AM)

More like music to toss-up by.

Doug Burns, Alexandria, VA (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 11:43 AM)

I really like "She is beautiful" by Andrew W.K.  Its got a great tempo for a run, plus it makes you feel good.

But my most favourite music to listen to when I'm running is Paul Oakenfold.  He's amazing.  I just listen to the beats and the songs and let my mind wander while my body runs.  Amazing feeling to just let go.  

Go Oakie!!

M, Canada (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 11:44 AM)

My workout list (because the list in the article really sucks):
Chemical Brothers, Crystal Method (first album), Tool, Queens of the Stoneage, Fatboy Slim, NIN, Moby, 70's disco music, Beck, Bjork, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Primus, Presidents of the USA, Camper van Beethoven, Galactic, Portishead, Massive Attack, Rage Against the Machine, Morphine, Lake Trout, Shellac, Jamiroquai, Beastie Boys, Black Sabbath

Kirk, Chapel Hill, NC (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 11:50 AM)

The main albums I listen to during my cardio workout sessions are:
- The Fat Of The Land (THE PRODIGY)
- Music For A Jilted Generation (THE PRODIGY)
- You've Come A Long Way Baby (FATBOY SLIM)
- Play & 18 (MOBY)
- Pop (U2)

Lots of solid beats (fast & slow), perfect for the elliptical machine or free weights.  Other songs thrown in for good measure include:
- Feel Good Inc (GORILLAZ)
- What You Waiting For (GEWN STEFANI)
- You Get What You Give (THE NEW RADICALS)
- Even Better Than The Real Thing PERFECTO MIX (U2)
- Wake Up (ARCADE FIRE)
- Vertigo (U2)

Barry, Phoenix AZ (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 11:53 AM)



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