OUR TRAINERS:


Jay Blahnik

(Tips | Profile)


Jeanette Jenkins

(Tips | Profile)


Gregory Joujon-Roche

(Tips | Profile)


Kathy Kaehler

(Tips | Profile)


Gina Lombardi

(Tips | Profile)


Rob Parr

(Tips | Profile)


Keli Roberts

(Tips | Profile)



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! 

MAIN PAGE

Email this EMAIL THIS

Comments

Freestyle! Lisa Lisa and the Cult Jam, Debbie Deb, how about Bell Biv Devoe?
You can always get club remixes of your favorite songs too...Mariah Carey's, Madonna's....

Kimarie Torres, Phoenix, AZ (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 12:01 PM)

Yes, I could listen to the music on that list while I exercise if I wanted to vomit mid workout. These will get your ass movin: Song 2 - Blur, Hand that Feeds - NIN, Stone Cold Crazy-Queen, and anything Foo Fighters.

Amy (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 12:21 PM)

I'm 39, look 30, & feel 29.  Her list for high school kids and is 99% CRAP!  Is this lady for real?  This is music for a wussie workout (unless you are just there for social hour & to show off a new set of hoo hoos).  If she really worked out, her music list would be more diverse and absolutely include hard rock with gut busting beats to push through even the toughest workouts and/ or cardio exercise.

i.e. - AC/DC, Tool, Metallica, Prodigy, old rock, new rock.  There is so much to choose from.

J. Jelso, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 12:30 PM)

You can't go wrong with Foo Fighters and Stone Temple Pilots, anytime.

Leslie, Richmond,VA (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 12:54 PM)

Slap on some Liquid Soul and it will drive you down the road

Steve, Indianapolis (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 12:56 PM)

Someone writes an article about the benefits of having the right music for your workout, shares their personal playlist, and everyone can only take time to rip her up for it.  It makes you wonder about "people" in general and why everyone treats each other like crap.  For those who are only beginning to work out, or find it difficult to stick with it, the basis of her article just calls music to their attention.  For cryin out loud people, what's YOUR problem if your first reaction is to ridicule with "what crappy music" rather than to praise the idea and share some of your own?  I like music too, and have a great up-beat playlist to listen to while on the treadmill.  This overall reaction of people on here only prevents me from sharing it, as i'd rather not know what everyone thinks of it.

Disappointed with your attitudes... Orange County, CA (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 12:59 PM)

The Clash is my favorite work-out group. "Rudie Can't Fail" and "Rock the Casbah" will really get your heart rate up. Kylie Minogue is another favorite.

Kelly, Washington, DC (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 1:03 PM)

Punk-new and old..even ska works great. The beat needs to be frenetic. Artic Monkeys, Spunge, Vandals, and Clash

RB, Milwaukee (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 1:03 PM)

CRAP...PURE CRAP

JIM SOUTHERN,KS (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 1:08 PM)

if one person posted the music was "crap" I'd agree with you.  But, I have to agree with the majority here, this has to be one of the worst "work out lists".  No Rock/Heavy Metal?  

To disappointed... (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 1:10 PM)

I haven't worked out in awhile, but what I used to listen to when I did was a wide variety.  Evanescence, Nickelback, 3Doors Down,  Beastie Boys, Aerosmith, AC/DC, Ram Jam, Whitesnake, REO Speedwagon, 38 Special and the like. Don't forget to have a relaxing cool down song!  I prefer something will a calm piano, like Brian McKnight.  

Currently Lazy, Charleston, SC (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 1:10 PM)

One word, Godsmack!!

Maine Runner (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 1:15 PM)

Well said "Disappointed with your attitudes".  

KB (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 1:16 PM)

Yuck!  I prefer listening to Korn, Rage Against the Machine, Metallica or Prodigy during my work outs!  Those songs wouldn't put me in the work out mood at all!

TW (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 1:17 PM)

Saliva..Click, Click, Boom! Judas Priest...Painkiller, Screaming fo Vengeance, Hell Bent For Leather, Metal Meltdown, Ram It Down, Heavy Metal
Halford...Resurrection, Made In Hell, Sad Wings Of Destiny, Crucible, One Will, Betrayal
W.A.S.P...Mean Man, Blind in Texas  Pantera...Cowboys From Hell  Metal Church...Ton of Bricks, The Dark  Iron Maiden...Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills
Beyond Fear...Scream Machine
Just to name a few!!!

Steven, Katy, Texas (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 1:27 PM)

That list is bogus.  I work out all the time, and if you really want to get pumped up listen to Eric Prydz' Call on Me.
Trust me

JimmyJ (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 1:37 PM)

I don't do a ton of cardio, but for pure liftin', I can't find much that works better then the Broken CD from NiN.

JD, Austin, Tx (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 1:53 PM)

I want candy, Bow wow wow
Where'd you go, Mighty mighty bostones

Tax Toad, Las Vegas NV (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 2:05 PM)

I second the "awful".... to slow

Laurie, Grand Rapids, MI (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 2:19 PM)

The key word is it is her playlist, I am sure that those of you that take classes do not tell the instructor what to play the goal is to get the most of the workout. Me personally I enjoy old school club music.

Debra Holiday, Charlotte, NC (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 2:28 PM)

I JUST THINK IT'S GREAT THAT YALL WOULD EVEN GIVE US IDEAS TO WORKOUT WITH......THANKS.....




SHELLY,CLAXTON GA...... (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 2:41 PM)

80's music does it for me.  It's not so much the beat of the music that I am listening to.....it's what the music makes me think of.  You know how certain songs take you back to a time in your life?  I usually begin remembering things from when I was younger.....school, friends etc....If I can just get a train of thought started, I'll be fine.

Ismael, McAllen, TX (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 2:42 PM)

What happened to classic rock? Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, for Christ's sake BOB SEEGAR.........

Rene Medlin, Raleigh, NC (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 3:03 PM)

What happened to classic rock? Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, for Christ's sake BOB SEEGAR.........

Rene Medlin, Raleigh, NC (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 3:04 PM)

Old School Stuff for 1 hour spin routine.

Here I Go Again-Whitesnake
Right Now-Van Halen
Poundcake-Van Halen
Panama-Van Halen
Jump-Van Halen
Let's Go-The Cars
Gimme All Your Lovin'-ZZ Top
Got Me Under Pressure-ZZ Top
Jungle Love-Steve Miller
China Grove-The Doobie Brothers
Magic Carpet Ride-Steppenwolf
Born to Be Wild-Steppenwolf
Bad Company [From Bad Company]-Bad Company
Shooting Star [From Straight Shooter]-Bad Company
I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight-Atlanta Rhythm Section
Do It or Die-Atlantic Rhythm Section

KWyer, Nashville, TN (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 3:13 PM)

Wow, what's wrong with some of you? Music is subjective, and guess what? Your taste is no better than anyone else's. Not to mention, it's incredibly rude and unnecessary to insult someone else. Far worse than questionable taste in music is a complete disregard for the feelings of others.

Me personally, I like a mix. I get bored if the whole playlist is one type, whatever that type is. I'm definitely always looking for new stuff, though, so I'll check out the podcasts and iTunes lists.

Ev, Kansas City, MO (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 3:15 PM)

Ditto to Rene!

KWyer, Nashville, TN (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 3:15 PM)

This has confirmed my belief that adults are nothing but kids with wrinkles.  

So much immaturity!

Lynee (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 3:15 PM)

This many comments and not one mention of Nirvana?

Andrew, Bmore, MD (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 3:20 PM)

Fergie?  You don't deserve an iPod if Fergie's on it.  Diddy's pretty terrible too, just not 'Fergie' terrible.

Sirus, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 3:24 PM)

Your list isn't horrible it just lacks varitey.  Not everyone loves popular music.  I'm love Bon Jovi, Aretha Franklin, Jay-Z, No Doubt, The Bee Gees and anything from the 70's era.

CJ, Washington, DC (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 3:29 PM)

I prefer Gospel Music...nothing get's me pumped like good ol' God music.  Peace.

Faith, San Fran (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 4:04 PM)

that is probably the worst list of songs to work out to I have ever seen... how about mama said know you out, ll cool J or gold digger by kanye??? horrible, just horrible

Josh, Charlotte, NC (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 4:08 PM)

Black Betty - RAM JAM
I Want It All - Queen
Machinehead - Bush
Training Montage - from Rocky IV soundtrack
Keep It Up - Snap from Rocky V soundtrack
Go For It - Rocky V soundtrack
Song 2 - Blur
Zombie Nation - Kern Kraft 400


MJ, NY (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 4:46 PM)

Crystal Method- Name of the Game.  You WILL run faster and harder with this in your ears.
Groove Armada- I see you baby shakin that *ss
Prodigy- Firestarter

Doug (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 4:46 PM)

I agree with Jake the Truthinator. You definitely need to listen to either Trance, Techno or house while you are working out. It's all about motivation and this kind of MUSIC gives you that!

Jenny, Kearny, NJ (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 4:51 PM)

What a crap list.  That is the list for the trendy mainstream America.  Most people I know listen to Rock/Metal or Hard Rap to get a great workout.

Steve, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 4:53 PM)

are you kidding me? come on, you're getting something for mentioning that pathetic list of 'workout songs' aren't you? if not, you must have some agenda? those songs would be good if you're into hip-hop, ie, lets all degrade women themes. even then, they're crappy work out songs. do you have daughters, sisters, know women with self esteem?

john doe, seattle, wash. (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 5:04 PM)

Aweful.  here is my list:
Marlyn Manson, all of his music
Tool
Iron Maiden
Led Zeppelin
Old Metallica
Old AC/DC
Underground
Rammstein
Chemical Brothers
Slayer
high tempo dance music

Ty, Davenport Iowa (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 5:37 PM)

I just want to say thanks for listing you ideas but just because you don't like someone elses music doesnt mean you have to be an ass about it " that is crap " thats not cool. Suggestions are nice not bullshit.

Kristen S. Phx, AZ (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 6:14 PM)

I taught various genres of fitness classes for about 12 years. Bottom line-- what gets us working varies from individual to individual.  My aquatic fitness classes (not for wimps!  I could make the 'level III' hi intensity 'landlubber' instructors sweat and pant, and not because of my swimsuit-clad physique. They were pumping H2)!) really got it moving to a choreorgraphed workout to "Hooked on Classics II".  My step classes loved my classic rock and techno-hillbilly workout tapes... and today, I make my own mixes using varying speeds and sort of crosstrain. and TODAY ..  I ride a Tennessee Walking Horse who happens to love to get her booty going to the tune of FAT BOTTOM GIRLS!

Bottom line (so to speak!) to each his own!!

GWB the Splashdancer

Splashdancin' Socrateacher of SlowCala FL (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 6:17 PM)

PS again
the splashdancer is pushing fifty!

Spashdancin' Socrateacher of SlowCala, FL (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 6:19 PM)

Who came up with this list?  Are they a bunch of 13 year olds?  Who would work out to this cr**?

Dice, OC, CA (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 6:33 PM)

I agree with some other contributors -- music is very much a personal taste and generally, those who are the most critical have the least to say and are proverbial windbags.  I'm sure she finds the songs in her list very motivating; some of you are motivated by hip hop, some by punk, some by techno, some by hard rock.  Who's right and who's wrong?  Apparently, everybody is right when it comes to THEIR taste.  I find keeping an open mind (and ear) often comes in very handy.  I have my dislikes as well and wouldn't listen to certain types of music, but that's a personal dislike of mine and it doesn't mean I need to demean the music or cast aspersions on the character of the person who likes it.

For me, I also download podcasts of Podrunner by DJSteveboy, who is probably about the nicest person around for doing what he does just from donations.  A big thank you from me DJ, as your podcasts get me back and forth to work (I have a 2.5 mile walk each way and use the lower BPM) and on long runs (2 hour podcast at 180 BPM).  Works great for any cardio option.  I also use CardioCoach.com -- these aren't free -- but Sean O'Malley is incredibly motivating and his guided cardio workouts have helped me through some very rough patches and injuries.

The bottom line is to use what moves you the most -- that can often change based on the type of day one is having!

Also, if you're going to be critical, at least spell the words properly.

Regards from a 50-year old daily runner, spinner, weight lifter, kickboxer, fluidity method user and all around workout-aholic!

KickinAt50, Boston, MA (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 11:18 PM)

For me, the kind of music that gets me "up and Out" comes from such artists as Cher(Believe is hot),Michael Bolton(Love is a Wonderful Thing-Juice flowing) or Gloria Estefan and Miami Sound Machine tune(Rockin!). If any tune helps you jive to the beat, then that works best.

Rosie from New York (Sent Monday, March 05, 2007 11:56 AM)

You can use fitnessongs.com to take your workout playlist to another level they are customized for every machine in the gym.

Charlie Trainer (Sent Monday, March 05, 2007 1:39 PM)

i like hey ya by outkast...its good 2 work too i also workout to the cha cha slide believe it or not...do that whole thing 4 times through gives ya a good workout. another one is this aint a scene its and arms race by fall out boy. girlfriend by avril lavign is also pretty fast paced

Jessica, Council Bluffs Iowa (Sent Monday, March 05, 2007 3:16 PM)

<<<<are you kidding me? come on, you're getting something for mentioning that pathetic list of 'workout songs' aren't you? if not, you must have some agenda? those songs would be good if you're into hip-hop, ie, lets all degrade women themes. even then, they're crappy work out songs. do you have daughters, sisters, know women with self esteem?
john doe, seattle, wash. (Sent Friday, March 02, 2007 5:04 PM)>>>


WHO are you EVEN talking to, john doe?

Ditto what others said.. to each his own.  Thanks for posting that link Charlie Trainer.

MJ, NY (Sent Tuesday, March 06, 2007 8:41 AM)

Everyone has an opinion of "good music" and this is not the place to insult others or their music preferences.  If the tune get you up and active, mission accomplished.  I exercise daily on a treadmill and I can watch TV, a complete DVD movie over the course of two or three sessions, or listen to an audio book for several days.  The point is, I don't think about the pain or momotony of the workout if I have visual and / or audio stimulus to distract my brain.  Literally, I fake myself out and actually look forward to my daily workout.  Can walk / jog / run 2 to three miles in a half hour and am pleased with the muscle tone and weight loss I have made.  It doesn't even seem like a workout.  currently I am two tapes into a five tape set of a Star Trek novel and I can't wait to see how it turns out tomorrow!

Kevin Otte, Fond du Lac, WI (Sent Tuesday, March 06, 2007 11:46 AM)

If you truly want to get something that will get you pumped if you are a rock fan... Go with Frantic by Metallica and St. Anger... they will definetly get you pumped!!!

Josie Miami (Sent Tuesday, March 06, 2007 3:03 PM)



SEND A COMMENT

Message (please, no HTML tags. Web addresses will be hyperlinked):

Your name, city and state (John Doe, Seattle, Wash.): 

 Your e-mail address (jdoe@msnbc.com):

Your website (it's okay if you don't have one):

Remember me? (We'll keep it private)

TRACKBACKS

Trackbacks are links to weblogs that reference this post. Like comments, trackbacks do not appear until approved by us. The trackback URL for this post is: http://fitlist.msnbc.msn.com/trackback.aspx?PostID=70700