Music makes me move.
As soon as I put my headphones in and turn on one of my favorite running songs I suddenly can't wait to run. It is hard for me to sit still if one of my "running songs" comes on while I am driving around in my car. For me music is a tool to help me to stay in shape, become a better runner and to help motivate others to get a great workout, too.
There have been many times where music has gotten me through mile 22 of a marathon. It has helped me hit my goal pace on a tempo run and pushed me to get past my own mental barriers by distracting me. One way that I choose songs for my running playlist is to find a song that has a beat similar to the cadence that I am trying to achieve while running, which is 180 steps per minute. This helps me shorten my stride, push a little harder and become energized by the music as I am trying to match the beat of the song. I also love inspiring lyrics and songs that bring back good memories.
I am a group fitness instructor, and I have come to realize that what makes or breaks a class is the music. It is amazing to feel the amount of energy that comes into the room when an awesome song comes on. People push themselves so much harder when they have a song that gets their blood pumping. For some people angry music (Linkin' Park, Eminem, etc.) makes them work harder and for some it may be the latest teeny bopper song (Ke$ha, Rhianna, etc.) that helps them enjoy their workout. Whatever type of music it is, find what inspires you to be faster and stronger and use it to your benefit.
- 300 Violin Orchestra, Jorge Quintero
- All I Ever Wanted, Base Hunter
- Wild Ones, Flo Rida
- Starships, Nicki Minaj
- Dance, Dance, Fall Out Boy
- Show Down, Black Eyed Peas
- Not Afraid, Eminem
- Heart Of A Champion, Nelly
- The Distance, Cake
- Save The World, Swedish House Mafia
- Stronger, Kelly Clarkson
- Sexy And I Know It, LMFAO
- Switchback, Celldweller
- Entertainment, Rise Against
- Papercut, Linkin Park
- Run The World, Beyonce
- Futures, Jimmy Eat World
For more music, check out HuffPost Workouts here.