March Motivating Cardio Playlist!

This is the month when we start to catch “Spring Fever.”  This is the month when we want to pack away our winter gear and don the breezier spring pieces.  This is the month where our hearts turn to new love, we get the urge to clean and make things fresh, and . . . we realize bikini season is just around the corner!!!!

I read a funny quotation on an advertisement at my gym today:  “Spandex is a privilege, not a right.”  Too funny!   So boys and girls, if you want to fit into your ’spandex’ or any other snug-hugging, revealing spring and summer ensembles, let the music take over.  These are the songs (new and old!) that currently motivate me the most to MOVE!!!! ☛

Requirement:  These must be turned up for ample motivation!!  Recent studies show that turning up the volume on your IPod (to a safe level, of course) boosts adrenalin and cardio power!!!  

“Jump” by the Glee cast. . . This is a giddier version of the original.  So, so, so fun – it makes me want to leap off of the treadmill.  [maybe I should just go use the mini trampoline in my basement   ]

“California Dreamin” (Tek-House Extended) by Royal Gigolos . . . You’ve never heard a version like this before – it’ll keep your feet in perfect rhythm to your destiny!

“Rock Me” by Liz Phair . . . I love songs with silly lyrics . . . perfect moderate beat for the middle of the mix.

“A Little Less Conversation” (JXL Remix) by Elvis Presley . . . Yes, this was the Las Vegas theme song, so it will put you in the ‘breakation’ mode!

“What Are You Waiting For?” by Gwen Stefani . . . Okay, this is the part of the workout where you really pick it up again.  I saw her in concert, and she completely ROCKED this song!!

“Forever” by Chris Brown . . . I picture the now infamous YouTube video of the dancing wedding party . . . I’m so doing that at my wedding!!

“Don’t Stop Believin’” by the Glee cast . . . Admittedly, I could put almost all of the Glee songs on here, but this is definitely their “classic.”

“Give a Little Bit” by Goo Goo Dolls . . . Warning, you may find yourself singing along to the chorus before this song is over!

“Send Me on My Way” by Rusted Root . . . I saw them in Chicago at the Aragon Theater years ago.  When I walked in, I looked strangely at the eccentric ‘groupies’ jumping around to the songs barefoot – by the end of the concert, I was doing the same thing.

“Just Say Yes” by Snow Patrol . . . I’ve always liked this group, and this is one song that gives you that empowered feeling.  A great song to end your workout and leave the gym with.  Because, in the end, it’s all a happy ending!!!

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February Valentine Playlist

In honor of this short month’s prominent holiday, Valentine’s Day, I’m in the mood to share one of my easy listening cardio playlists rather than my usual heart-pumping compilations.  You can certainly use this during cardio; in fact, just today, I listened to it while climbing the stairmaster.   I chose and ordered the songs on the list to provide the perfect tempo for rhythm and motivation to keep moving.  Incline treadmill walk, rowing machine, stair climb . . . this list would complement each nicely.  A couple of these are my top all-time favorite songs so enjoy!!

“Postcards from Far Away” by Coldplay . . . this 47 second instrumental tease opens the list perfectly.

“The Beginning of the Partnership” by Stephen Warwick. . . this is my song!!!  It’s 1.47 minutes of leaping musical notes – the theme song to Shakespeare in Love that not a lot of people recall but should.

“Falling in Love at the Coffee Shop” by Landon Pigg  . . . I don’t know why, but this song makes me want to cry.

“Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam . . . I could listen to this over and over.  This is my favorite Pearl Jam song.

“Dream” by Priscilla Ann . . . I picture a lyrical to this – I want to do piquées and pirouettes barefoot in a white dress.

“Love Story Meets Viva La Vida” by Jon Schmidt . . a goose-bump generator begging for loud volume.  I played this once while my students were quietly working and hardly a soul in the room wasn’t tapping a finger or foot at one point.  Over half downloaded the song later!!  You’re welcome, Jon Schmidt!!!

“I Wanna Dance with Somebody” by The Side Project . . . this is a pretty piano compilation of the famous top 40 Whitney Houston song.  The original is special to me and somebody who does love me.

“Every Breath You Take” by Sting from his All this Time (Live) album.  An inventively re-arranged, slightly more upbeat tempo of one of my top five favorite songs!!  Speaking of inventive re-arrangements, here’s a unique video cover of the same song ☞ Every Breath cover

“Breathe in Breathe Out” by Mat Kearney . . . a newer release.  I recently discovered this artist . . . he has some memorable meaningful songs.

“Spinning” by Merril Bainbridge . . . I’ve liked this song for 10 years now – makes me smile and sway.

“Only Time” by Enya . . . this is another one that has a special meaning.  There was a time I couldn’t listen to this – I’m glad it’s back on my list and I know it’s the perfect tempo for yours!!  Truthful lyrics.

“Gravity” by Sara Bareilles . . . perfect beginning to the end.  Poignant, powerful lyrics.

“January Rain” by David Gray . . . Gravitating guitar!!!  A great example of how music magically makes us feel good!!!

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January New Year Cardio Playlist

It’s a new year in a new decade!!  It’s a time for renewing, trying new adventures and reaching new goals.  A motivating soundtrack to accompany the journey is not only a perk but a necessity along the way.  Here is Grading Girl’s FIRST cardio playlist of the decade!  Jumpstart those resolutions, charge those MP3s and get moving!!!

“Ring-a-Ling” by Black-Eyed Peas . . . a perfectly moderate tempo to ring in the new workouts

“Let Me Think About It” (Radio Edit) by Ida Corr vs. Feddie Le Grand . . . very infectious!!

“In My Arms” (Kaskade Radio Edit) by Plumb . . . It is as if I wrote this song!!  The lyrics hit home hard!  This faster, remixed version really gives the song an extra positive vibe.  It will make you step higher on the treadmil.

“Cho Dongho: The Ting Tings: That’s Not My Name” . . . I have two different versions of this song on previous playlists.  This group is nominated for Best New Artist this year with good reason.  Their upbeat songs are good, clean fun! Find this version for free on VSHolic – Victoria’s Secret supermodels strutted to this on the runway during last year’s fashion show.

“Untouched” (Listen Deep Remix) by The Veronicas . . . Just when you are starting to tire, this song’s tune makes you keep stepping!!

“Sex on Fire” by Kings of Leon . . . This is the lesser-known, solid song by this band.  Try it – you’ll like it!

“Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon . . . Blends seamlessly with the previous song, and a perfect one to start your slowdown.  This song is rightfully nominated for this year’s Record of the Year.

“Dream” by Priscilla Ahn . . . a sweet song to end with.  Wonderful!!!!!

***If your workouts are longer than this list allows, try filling in the time with songs from the two Glee soundtracks.  Dare I say many are more fun versions than the originals?!?  You will undoubtedly feel happier listening to these songs – just be careful, you may find yourself singing along!!!

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December Christmas Cardio Playlist

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!  It’s hard to be in a bad mood this month ~ I’m excited I can officially play the holiday playlist on my IPod.  To get in the holiday spirit, even on the winding treadmill, here’s seasonal music guaranteed to make your workout jollier.  This playlist serves as a nice break from the usual Top 40 tunes.  It was hard for me to narrow down this list!  I’ve included a balance of old classics, newer releases, and unique remixes to keep boredom at bay. Enjoy!

White Is In the Winter Night by Enya . . . a beautiful, happy, new modern classic and a perfect beginning to warm you up.

Jingle Bells (Robbie Hardkiss Remix) by Duke Ellington . . . this is the jazziest version of “Jingle Bells” I’ve ever heard!

Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses . . . perfect beat for stepping/running and fun, fun storyline with a happy ending – what more do you need?!

All I Want for Christmas is You by Mariah Carey . . . a holiday playlist would not be complete without including this song.

Little Saint Nick by the Beach Boys . . . so fun!

I Saw Three Ships by Sting . . . such an awesome, awesome song.  Gotta love Sting!!

Joy to the World by Mannheim Steamrollers . . . I’ve always wanted to choreograph a large group dance to this.  (if you prefer, choose Mariah Carey’s Joy to the World instead – it was a toss up for me with this song!)

White Christmas (Ken Andrews Remix) by Bing Crosby . . . this unique version is electrified for moving.

Sleigh Ride by Johnny Mathis . . . this classic (to offset the preceeding remix) makes me all warm and fuzzy and recall Christmases past.

Step into Christmas by Elton John . . . for a last, jovial boost.

Baby It’s Cold Outside by Leon Redbone/Zooey Deschanel (from the Elf soundtrack) . . . I dare you not to sing along to this one.  Zooey Deschanel is a surprisingly pleasing singer.  Btw, Elf is one of those movies I can watch over and over and laugh every single time throughout the entire movie.

Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) by Trans-Siberian Orchestra . . . compilation worthy of goosebumps and inspiring cooldowns.

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November Cardio Playlist

This month I’m inspired by music that makes me want to jump off the cardio machines – and not because I’m sweating bullets but because I want to dance around the gym.  These are the songs that keep me in my “zones” to burn the right calories.  If you could hear the music coming out of my earbuds, this is what would be playing:

 

 

“She Wolf” by Shakira ~ A power song for the girls . . . to kick start the 30 – 45 minute stretch!

“Say Hey, I Love You” by Michael Franti ~ I want to hug everyone I care about when I hear this!!

“Bad Romance” by Lady GaGa ~ A fun song!

“Sexy Bitch” by David Guetta ~ As a fan of remixes, I’m a big fan of this re-mixer!

“Love Story Meets Viva La Vida” by Jon Schmidt ~ Yes, this is instrumental but it’s upbeat and serves as a pleasing reprieve from the beats of the previous songs . . . I can’t help but be in a good mood listening to this.

“Meet Me Halfway” by Black Eyed Peas ~ This keeps me motivated at the halfway point of my workout.

“Starry Eyed Surprise” by Paul Oakenfold ~ A favorite D.J.!  This is a little older but a great, happy goodie!

“Young Hearts Run Free” by Kym Mazelle ~ from the Romeo & Juliet soundtrack . . . if you can erase from your head the hysterical scene this song accompanies, the tune will keep your heart singing instead of panting.

“Hot N Cold” by Katy Perry (Manhattan Clique Remix) ~ I liked this song from the start, and the remix keeps it fresh!

“Forever” by Chris Brown ~ This makes me think of that Wedding Fun video on YouTube.  The video makes me laugh hysterically so this song makes me gleeful . . . a pleasing end to a productive sweatfest.

“Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam ~ This was recommended by someone close to me and it makes me cry too!  If you need a cool down, I dare you to use this one without tearing up.

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October Cardio Playlist

In honor of my upcoming high school reunion, I am devoting this month’s playlist to ’80s tunes.  Many of the songs on the list are contemporary versions of the originals that will knock your leg warmers right off!  The dance versions are usually faster, longer versions that are more conducive to workouts.   So get out your torn sweatshirts and parachute pants and ‘get into the groove!’

If you’d like a different playlist for each day of the week, check out my past monthly playlists:  Grading Girl’s Playlists

80’s Cardio Playlist

“Wanna Be Startin’ Something” by Michael Jackson – A perfect way to start the workout – not too fast and not too slow.

“Don’t Stop Believin’” (Glee Cast Version) – Glee is a new favorite in our house! It’s such a refreshing, shout-out-and-sing show.  Every person should sing at the top of his or her lungs whenever possible. . . this song truly jumpstarts your cardio while making your heart sing.

“Legs” (Dance Mix) by ZZ Top – The lyrics help you concentrate on those quads & hamstrings . . . plus the dance version is bold!

“Let’s Dance” (Dance Mix) by Hi_Tack – This serves as a perfect accompaniment to the middle of your workout when it seems like your workout will never end.  Happy memories with this song!!!!

“Out of Touch” by Uniting Nations – You can hear Hall & Oates original in the background of this dance version.  If you aren’t tapping your hands and running (or walking or climbing) to the beat, you aren’t listening to the song!

“Take Me to the Clouds Above” by LMC Vs. U2 – This is a remixed combination of U2’s “With or Without You” and Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know?.”  No matter where I am, I can’t help but dance when I hear this unique combo.

“Ray of Light” by Madonna – I know this song was actually released in the early ’90s, but I think it’s one of her best to get a body moving!!

“Give it to Me Baby” by Rick James – We did a fun poms routine to this.  This song’s got the groove!

“When Doves Cry” by Quindon Tarver – This version is on Baz Lurhmann’s Romeo & Juliet soundtrack.  Its beat will resonate right through you, keeping you going as you head through the last stretch of your cardio.

“Every Breath You Take” by The Police – A classic!! One of my favorites from the decade . . . you can’t grow tired of this.  This keeps you strong as you sweat, sweat, sweat.

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September Cardio Playlist

In honor of my daughter’s September birthday, I’m dedicating this month’s cardio playlist to those songs released during the decade in which she was born.  Some call the 90’s a horrible period for pop music; others say it may be too soon to tell.  Here’s a list of my favorite ’90s music that makes me jump with glee – those are the types of songs I need to keep me going during cardio.

Also, check out my previous playlists HERE!

90’s Music Cardio Playlist

“Love Will Never Do Without You” by Janet Jackson – I danced to this when I was pregnant. This song always makes me think of very happy times.  (It’s also a good one to start with because the distinct beat is not too fast).

“Vogue” by Madonna – It always lifts my spirits when I hear it.  I imagine myself running down the runway as I’m on the treadmill!

“Kiss from a Rose” by Seal (Kicks from a Rhodes version) – This is great for interval training because it gets fasters and slower and faster again.

“Magic Carpet Ride” by Philip Steir featuring Steppenwolf – This is a fabulous, knock-you-out-of-your seat version song.

“Fire Up the Shoesaw” by Lionrock – I used to play this SO loudly in my car – the perfect cruising soundtrack makes for the perfect cardio motivator.

“Little Bird” by Annie Lennox (Todd’s 7″ of #1 version) – I liked the original back then and love this hip dance version now – gets my heart pumping!

“Young Hearts Run Free” by Kym Mazelle (Ballroom Version) – If this song doesn’t get you moving, nothing will.

“It’s Gonna Be a Lovely Day” by S.O.U.L. S.Y.S.T.E.M. – I’ve always loved the happy tone of this song . . . it’s a positive tempo to begin the slower, last wind of cardio.

“The Beginning of the Partnership” by Stephen Warbeck – This is one of my favorite compositions of all time.  It’s only about 1 ½ minutes long, but it’s an absolute beautiful instrumental that makes me cry and gives me chills at the same time.  It’s beautiful and the perfect, peaceful cool down.

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August Cardio Playlist

Every time I type a new monthly playlist, it seems like I just finished the last one – another testament to my philosophy of ‘live in the moment.’  If there is one thing that helps us live in the moment, it is music.  Music makes everything easier . . . whether it’s attempting that long stretch in yoga, completing chores around the house, pumping that heavy iron at the gym . . . it’s all a bit simpler when there is music playing.   I don’t know what this planet would be like without it.  I am convinced life would not be as we know it.  To all singers and songwriters out there – thank you, thank you, thank you.

**Don’t forget to check out my previous monthly lists for more motivating music ~  Cardio Playlists: Grading Girl**

What Keeps Me Motivated to Move this Month:

“Knock You Down” by Keri Hilson, Kanye West, Ne-Yo (lyrics that make me stand straight and tall)

“Beautiful, Dirty, Rich” by Lady GaGa (every time I hear a new song off her new album, I like it . . . sexy song)

“I Gotta Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas (won’t get tired of this . . . such a happy tune!!!)

“Viva La Vida” (Thin White Duke Mix) by ColdPlay (yes, this is the 3rd version of this song on my lists – the original made it to my Top 10 of all time list. . . there’s one point in this where I can’t help but bang fists to the beat on the treadmill or stairs)

“(I) Can, Can (You?) by Vanessa-Mae (a fun Can, Can like you’ve never heard before)

“Body” by the Jackson 5 (haven’t heard this in 25 years . . . makes me want to ‘get down’)

“California Man” by Cheap Trick (did a poms routine to this in high school . . . still riles me up and I remember the moves too)

“Time of Our Lives” by Paul Van Dyk (an invigorating tune)

“Falling in Love at a Coffee Shop” by Landon Pigg (makes me cry . . . thanks to my bro for the recommendation!)

“January Rain” by David Grey (a calming cool-down . . . I’ve loved this song since the first time I heard it in one of my favorite movies, Serendipity)

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July Cardio Playlist

It’s a new month already!  That means it’s time for me to pick new songs to accompany the cardio portion of my workout.  Here are the songs inspiring me to keep moving on the stairmaster, elliptical and treadmill this month:

“On Her Majesty’s Secret Service” by Propellerheads (if this doesn’t get you started, nothing will)

“When Love Takes Over” (featuring Kelly Rowland) by David Guetta (exhilarating!)

“Boom Boom Guetta” by Black Eyed Peas (fresh version to the song we hear all the time on the radio)

“You are Not Alone” (Classic Club Mix) by Michael Jackson (a happier version to this beautiful song)

“Clocks” by It’s Time (1:45 of the best part of this song – only faster!)

“Amazing” (Kaskade Remix) by Seal (this really gets my heart pumping)

“Gettin’ in Tune” by The Who (helps me begin to unwind as I endure the last long moments on the machine)

“I Wanna Dance wtih Somebody” by The Side Project (beautiful slow version of Whitney’s song that makes for a perfect cooldown . . . close family know another reason this is special)

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June Cardio Playlist

It’s early morning and I’m about to go running in the fog to clear my head.  Here’s the music that keeps me moving this month:

“I Got a Feeling” by Black Eyed Peas (this gets me uber-giddy inside . . . GG predicts this will be the anthem of Summer ‘09)

“”Great DJ‘ by The Ting Tings (saw a dance choreographed to this and now I’m hooked)

“Viva La Vida” Instrumental by Cover Guru (how can one not enjoy this?)

“Legs” Dance Mix by ZZ Top (corny, I know, but when I’m working the stairmaster it helps me concentrate on my quads & hams)

“Paper Planes” Scottie B Remix by M.I.A. (just the right beat)

“Love Story” Workout Remix by Taylor Swift (’cause I’m a romantic at heart)

“Lost” by Anouk (this is the song I dance it out with in my basement . . . my PASSION at the moment . . . for some, it would be a cooldown but it gets me going no matter what)

“Postcards from Far Away” by Coldplay (I have an obsession with piano instrumentals . . . use this as my last song)

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