I’m overdue for a BRAND NEW cardio playlist for 2012.  I pride myself in finding the latest, the most unique, the most motivating songs to keep you from getting bored on those cardio machines.  This list is no exception . . .

“Called Out in the Dark” by Snow Patrol . . . Brand new from this fabulous group!  An absolutely perfect tempo to warm up.  This is your life; this is your time ➟

“Eyes” by Kaskade (feat. Mindy Gledhill) . . . I LOVE, LOVE this one ‘ cause eyes are the windows to the soul and love is plain to see .♡  At 2:23 is when you should step up your game a bit faster on the mill!!

“Domino” by Jessie J . . . speaking of love , this one will make you happy and spin yourself out of control!!

“Paradise” by Coldplay (Fedde Le Grande remix) . . . I absolutely adore the original but this is the version for cardio!!

“These Days” by Foo Fighters . . . This group has a way of hiding profound lyrics behind smash rockin’ music.  One of these days your heart will play its final beat – but not today as you work it with this!

“Every Car You Chase” by Snow Patrol Vs. The Police . . . . One of my very favorite songs of all time paired with another fave ~ an ingenious mash-up!!  I dare you to stop during this!

“Joanna” by Little Comets . . . I’m not sure what I like about this song.  I just do:

“Video Games” by Lana Del Rey . . . A silky, sultry way to close your cardio. HEART this and the Cali footage too!!

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Want to indulge without the bulge this holiday season?!  If you exercise now and push yourself a little harder with your cardio (4 days of cardio instead of 3? or 30 minutes instead of 20 minute sessions? or Run/Walk instead of Walk?), you will be able to partake in the festivities wholeheartedly!!  

“The One You Say Goodnight To” by Kina Grannis . . . My right now song.  Positively perfect beginning.  :-)

“Dakent“ by Banger (VooDoo Bear Remix) . . .  the xylophone will appeal to your inner child!!  A unique, creative instrumental that has an inspiring beat for your beginning.  At about 40 seconds in, the beat increases to get your heart rate off and running.

“Phazing Disposition” (JRowe Mashup) . . . . a remix of “Sweet Disposition” from 500 Days of Summer.  Time to start kicking things up.  This version moves your groove to a stronger beat.  I’ve meshed mine so that this song begins before “Dakent” ends – perfect transition!!  (Flash mob choreography is improving my remix abilities!!)

 ”Big in Japan” by Martin Solveig . . . remember Solveig’s song “Hello?”  This may be even more heart-throbbing!!  Great to get you in your faster zone ⟾~

“So Much Love” by Fedde Le Grand . . . . LOVE this song!!  This song will find you in your happy zone!!!  Love, music, dance:  the necessities of life.  I adore the heart-shaped hands:

“Good Feeling” by Flo Rida . . . Leave it to this artist to provide a workout wonder song . . . Workout video too!

“I Like How It Feels” by Enrique Iglesias . . . Just when you start to get tired, you need this feel-good number!  ”Cause this is our time!!

“We Found Love” by Rihanna – This is one of those songs that just sounds happy!!!  And, yes, love is usually found in a hopeless place.  Celebrate it!

“Without You” by Eddie Vedder . . . another from his Ukelele songs.  This song is simply beautiful – lyrics and tune.  I saw this show over the summer; this is a fabulous live version of this song.  Download it from Vedder’s Ukelele album.  A smooth cool-down.

BONUS SONG FOR THE LADIES:

“Rumor Has It/Someone Like You” Mashup by GLEE - Okay, gentlemen may not like this one as much.  Girls, this one is good for your cardio mix as you pound the pavement and feel lucky that you dodged that bullet from the one who made the mistake!!!!!!!

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Don’t just fall into autumn . . . jump into the new season with a refreshed, more toned you.  It’s been a while since my last playlist and IT’S TIME!!!!  Are you like me?  Do you get bored playing the same music at the gym?  These might give you some ideas . . . 

Pumped Up Kicks by Foster the People . . . . This is a PERFECT one to get you in the mood and get your own kicks pumped up!!  I can’t get the chorus out of my head!!!!! Turn this one up ~

Bruises by Chairlift  . . . I’m sure we all can relate to this one.  Each one of us has that person whom we tried to do handstands for but kept falling over.  ;-)

Beautiful People by Chris Brown and Benny Benassi . . .  Brown brings it again with another catchy, can’t-help-but-move tune.  I adore positive, life is good beats and this is definitely one of them!  People everywhere ARE beautiful!!!

Walk by Foo Fighters . . . Such a heart pumping song that is perrrrfect for cardio!!  Funny video too with great Los Angeles footage!!

One Club at a Time by Midnight Red . . . This one reminds me of dancing this summer with my daughter.  She’s a vibrant soul and you will be to0 if you let the music take you away during cardio! (I couldn’t find the original video but this is a good live shot)

Party Rock Anthem by LMFAO . . . I can’t not include this one (how’s that for a double negative?)!  Now if only we had a “shufflin” epidemic spread like the one in the video!  LOL!!

Beggin‘ by Madcon . . . . This is a great one to strut your stuff to.  Not crazy about the video but the song rocks me.

Can’t Keep by Eddie Vedder . . . I’m loving the softer side of Eddie we’ve heard lately.  This is a unique tune to rock your world – yes, rock with a ukelele!!  Love this whole album!!  Watch for the whale in this amazing video →

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Raise your hand . . . how many of you are working out just a little harder to get toned, tanned, fit and ready for summer?  Me too – and here’s the songs helping me get there.  Enjoy!!

“Go Your Own Way” by Fleetwood Mac . . . Classic rock worthy of modern playlists.  Go your own way with your cardio and leave ‘em in the dust.

“Rolling in the Deep” by GLEE cast . . . A handful of the GLEE covers are better than the originals – this is one of them.  Much more passionate as a duet, use this one to fuel your fire.  This acapella duet provides a unique backdrop to your gym-shoed feet.  Trust me, try it as a power warm up before picking up the pace!

“Heartbeat” by Enrique Iglesias ft. Nicole Scherzinger . . . I looooove to dance to this one – and you will too!!!  A wonderful feel-good song.  ♡ ♥ ♡

“Use Somebody” by Kings of Leon – DAVID GUETTA remix . . . I heard this remix this weekend & got super-excited.  #1 DJ plus #1 band = perfect cardio mix!!  The 7 minute length will keep you going . (Don’t like this remix?  No sweat – the fabulous original never gets out of tune!!)

“Baba O’riley” by The Who . . . A rock break from the remixes; I dare you to keep up with the pace.  A surprisingly good song to use for intervals.

“Penguin” by Avicii . . . A move-motivating club mix.  I ♡ the dancey piano!  Want something different from the Top 40s?! . . . . this is your song.

“Don’t Stop the Party” by The Black Eyed Peas . . . enough said.

“15 Steps” by Radiohead . . . . Time to calm the pace a bit.  This one’s perfect when counting your steps on the stairs or treadmill!

“Addicted to Love” by Florence & The Machine . . . a sexier, sultrier version to this 80′s piece.  This should be the section of your workout where the sweat starts to seep through.  Are you addicted?!

“White Balloons” by Sick Puppies . . . One needs closure in cardio.  Leave this lovely song for last and the lyrics will linger.

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Music is a universal language that truly does transcend boundaries.  Whatever native tongue one speaks, emotions evoked through music is unequivocally understood.  It’s no wonder music does so much to motivate our movement through exercise.  EXERCISE FOR YOUR HEART AND SING FOR YOUR SOUL! Here are the latest songs motivating me right now. ☞

“Someday” by Rob Thomas . . . Sometimes we don’t notice just how good it can get!  This uber-optimistic song will positively kick off your cardio!  Do you have someone you wish you could get through to?  Listen to this as you sweat it out and let the magic happen.  I ♥ the video too!!

“Ramble On” by Led Zeppelin . . . While I love running with this one on a trail near grassy fields, it works equally well on the treadmill.  You just have to put your mind there!  And as an English teacher, I appreciate the rock & lit connection to The Hobbit!

“Happiness” by Alexis Jordan (Wideboys Club Mix) . . . This one goes out to my baby niece – there’s never been a happier soul born!!!!  She loves bouncing to this song and this remix will get you bouncing too.  Everyone needs a little happiness inserted in their cardio.  I can’t say enough about the feel-good mood this song evokes!!  M mm mm mm . . .

“Born This Way” by Lady GaGa . . . Baby, you were born this way so make the most of it.  Give it your all, be truly present during cardio and you’ll get more out of your exercise.  Whether you’re a fan of GaGa or not, let yourself listen to the words and your feet will carry you to burn more calories.

“Yeah 3X” by Chris Brown . . . Remember the infamous wedding video with Chris Brown’s other big hit “Forever?”  This one gets people dancing in the aisles like that!!

“Your Love is My Drug” (Dave Aude Remix) by Kesha . . . There is no better drug in the world!!!  The version of this song makes me happy inside and out!!!  Find someone that loves life as much as you and you’ll never have a sad day again! xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

“Space Age Love Song” by Flock of Seagulls . . . This is one of those special songs that would go on my “life playlist” – a long, happy story which I’ll devote to another post.  In any event, this dream tune will keep your feet flying with an 80′s flare.

“Paranoid” by Garbage . . . You won’t be paranoid by the time you’re done.  This is one of those songs you don’t always think of for cardio but it works! In cardio, variety is where it’s at!!

“If I Every Lose My Faith in You” by Sting . . . I love this man.  This video is fabulous.  This song rocks my world.  Keep the faith, turn it on as you reach the home stretch, and your satisfaction will last long after your cardio is complete.

“Uncharted” by Sara Bareilles . . . You’re going down for the last section of your cardio.  Can you recognize the artists appearing in this video??  Shout out to my favorite pianist Ben Folds!!

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Let the luck be with you!  St. Patrick’s Day marks a day to begin transforming your winter dreams into spring action!!  Check out the music below to help you feel lucky as you work out your goals for spring and summer!!  While not all the songs directly connect to luck, all will evoke a go-lucky, invigorating feeling to kick off the new season.

“Animal” by Neon Trees . . . Here we go again!  A lucky month to kick off cardio goals.  This perfect tempo, fun pop song will keep your spirits up.

“Paddy’s Revenge” by Steve Mac . . . The ULTIMATE St. Patrick’s Day cardio song.  Check it out!!!!!

“BulletProof” (Dave Aude Remix) by LaRoux . . . the sound effects add oomph to this song.  Crank this one up and let your superhero power out!!

“Smack My B*** Up” by Prodigy . . . for the longest time, I thought this song was “Snap my Picture.”  I’ve LOVED this one for cardio for a long time now.  Remember the Charlie’s Angel scene when the girls kick serious butt as this song plays?!  That’s the kind of power this song evokes!!

“Higher” by Taio Cruz featuring Kylie Minogue . . . just the right point in your workout when you’re trying to run into a higher zone.

“Drum Trip” by Rusted Root . . . I saw these gentlemen live – invigorating, kick off your shoes performance.! Picture yourself running through a grassy field with the gentle breeze blowing.  That’s the kind of visual you’ll get from thisdifferent vibe.

“Ray of Light” by Madonna . . . Crank this one up!!  I heard this for the first time during my first morning in California 13 years ago!!  I fell in love with both instantly!!  (this one still sounds fabulous cranked up in the car too)

“Beautiful Day” by U2 . . . what better band for an Irish holiday?!  A beautiful song that always makes me smile.

“Coming Home” by Diddy with Skylar Grey . . . a good one as you come home to the finish of your hard workout.

“The Only Exception” by Paramore . . . the one song in the world I can actually sing decently, and it works wonders as a cool down.  Never underestimate the power of the slow song on the treadmill!!

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The search term “Valentine’s Cardio Playlist” is showing up fairly frequently in my StatPress, so it looks like it’s time to offer my latest playlist for the Love Day!!  Check out GG’s last February’s Valentine Playlist for more tunes to exercise your body and soul.

1. “Love Today” by Mika . . . this song makes me want to hug everyone in the gym!!!

2.  “Marry You” by Bruno Mars . . . this is my current right-now song!!!!  It brings my speed way up on the elliptical or treadmill.  The Glee version had me smiling allll night long when I saw it on the show, too!  The man I marry must be willing to dance down the aisle . . . or at least play along!

3.  “Magic Carpet Ride 07” by Mighty Dub Katz  . . . It’s time in the workout to get down to business.  This sexy beat will raise your heart rate.  Btw, the video gets a solid C for its rather strange interpretation.

4.  “Stereo Love” by Edward Maya and Vika Jigulina . . . . a sultry, authentic beat to get you in the mood! (have to double click to watch on YouTube)

5.  “Viva La Vida” (Telemitry Remix) by Coldplay . . . I have seven versions of this song on my IPod.  Not a love song, but listening to this song reminds us how much we love life!!

6.  “California Love” by 2Pac . . . because it’s the sunshine state and my second (first?) home!!  Every good playlist includes a mix of genres and this is one hot rap song.

7.  “Cosmic Love” by Florence and the Machine . . . Let yourself flail around to this one!!  A medium beat to begin the last quarter of your workout.

8.  “She’s Got You High” by Mumm-ra . . . not your traditional love song, but the sing-song chorus will keep your feet in pattern on the pavement or platform.

9.  “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic“ by Sting . . . Speaking of ‘not your traditional,’ Sting’s collaboration with the Royal Symphonic Orchestra is magical in itself.

10.  “Breathe Again” . . . I seem to be attracted to songs with the words ‘breath’ or ‘breathe’ in them.  What kind of heart doesn’t look back?? Sad songs are good for the soul, and this one hits home hard for the last song.

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Check out the NEW 2012 Cardio Playlist Here:  2012 Cardio Playlist!!!

This is going to be your best year yet!!!  You know how some songs give you that gleeful feeling for no reason at all?!  That’s what each of these will do for you on your way to your best you.  Here’s to your new year’s resolutions – cheers!!!

1.  Maybe by Sick Puppies . . . The new year is full of maybes and it’s definitely time to change – this song’s sound will warm you up for inspiration.  I’ve got a crush on this little song . . .

2.  The Time (Dirty Bit) by Black Eyed Peas . . . This song makes you MOVE!!!!  I take over the treadmill (and dance floor) when this one comes on!

3.  Hello by Martin Solveig . . . I stomp my feet that much harder on the elliptical with this one, beginning with 1:25.  The video is extra fun too!!  It makes me wish I could graduate from the boogie board to surf board.

4.  Sex on Fire by Kings of Leon (Richard Sharkey & Peter Sar remix) . . . the first time I heard this version, I literally stopped dead in my tracks; later, I HAD to find the version for myself!!  Let this fire up your cardio.  I dare you not jump out of your shoes on 1:52!

5.  Get Me Bodied by Beyonce (Timbaland Remix) . . . there is not a more appropriate song for a workout playlist.  Get bodied!

6.  Check it Out by will.I.am and Nicki Minaj (note:  explicit lyrics)  . . . will.I.am has been appearing on playlists a lot these days!  When you’re good, you’re good.

7. Magic by B.O.B. . . . a happy song that will magically bring life to your feet!  Rumor has it this is a hit on college campuses so relive your glory days . . .

8.  The Fixer by Pearl Jam . . . a motivating song as you fight to keep your momentum going.  Also a nice break from the dance songs while still keeping up the pace. (Looks like you have to double click to watch this on YouTube.  This is the best version so I’m still keeping this on here)

9.  Dreams by The Cranberries . . . this is one of those songs that puts me in a good mood every time I hear it.  Make your dreams reality this year!  Don’t regret the losses – look ahead at the possibilities!!!

10. Dog Days are Over by Florence and the Machine . . . cool down song for the beginning of the new year  – Run fast for your new you!

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A friend asked me if I publish these playlists before or after I try them out myself on the limb-loving treadmill.  My answer is, yes, there’s a method to my madness.  Each month, as soon as I stumble upon a new song or as I get a recommendation from someone, I add it to my queue.  Once I have 8 – 12 songs, I create a playlist on my own IPod and pound the rubber at the gym!  I experiment a little with order and then I finally share it!

Enjoy this month’s collection sure to burn some extra calories to compensate for the coming holiday cheats we all indulge in!

1.  “Life in Technicolor” by Coldplay . . .  This is a PERFECT opener from one of my favorite bands.  Walk until about 1:28, then burst into a run just as the song bursts!

2.  “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf . . . A true anthem!  Perfect pace for the first part of your run, and perfect mood for running outside.

3. “Highly Explicit” by Mixhell . . . This song is crazy good for the elliptical or bike.  Tell me those legs don’t start pumping faster when this comes on!

4.  “Firework” by Katy Perry . . . Despite the corny chest-bursting fireworks in this video, Katy Perry deserves extra kudos for the beautiful message.  Kids need to hear more lyrics like this; the uplifting words will inspire your run.

5.  “We No Speak Americano” by Yolanda Be Cool and DCup . . . I canNOT stop dancing to this song.   Sometimes I hit the repeat button for this one!!!  This is perfect at this point in the workout, when your heart is pumping and ready to step up the pace once again.  I recommend this exact version:

6.  “Dynamite” (Stonebridge Remix) by Taio Cruz . . . My students all love this song and you will too.  Keep up with the teens of the world and move to this!  The great thing about remixes is they make Top 40 songs we always hear on the radio sound new again – just the motivation we need to keep the workout going.

7.  “In My Arms” by Plumb . . . I thoroughly ♥ this song!  This will definitely warm your heart as it warms your feet.  It makes me think of those I love.

8.  “Just Say Yes” by Snow Patrol . . . I like this quietly successful band.  This pick-me-up song slows down the pace just enough to keep you in your optimal fat-burning zones.  More people need to take a leap of faith and say ‘Yes’ more often!!!

9. “Proper Education” by Eric Prydz VS Pink Floyd . . . Another cool workout version of a classic, to keep your interest as you enter the 7th inning stretch.

10.  “Yellow” (Acoustic Live @ KCRW in Los Angeles) by ColdPlay . . . I heard this when they first recorded it at KCRW about 6 years ago.  This is the very best version of another of my top 3 fave songs of all time.  Beginning at about 2:02 is the part that gives me chills every single time . . . this will provide the zen you need to cooldown, trust me . . .

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In honor of this upcoming Red Letter day, GG’s Cardio Playlist has gone visual!!

Get inspired – Top 10 songs for 10/10/10!!

1.  “Radioactive” by Kings of Leon . . . I love when recording artists’ songs that receive less air time have just as much to offer as their Top 40 counterparts.  Perfect “medium tempo” to warm those feet.

2.  “Boogie Body” by Asphalt Jungle . . . As one can see, I have VERY eclectic taste in music.  This will gravitate your feet confidently to the ground . . . one purposeful pound at a time.

3.  “Empire State of Mind” by Glee Cast . . . they can rap – can you?!

4.  “Happiness” by Alexis Jordan . . . my favorite right-now song!!  The hidden message within the subtext is subtly strong.  No matter who you are – this will make your cardio more fun!!

5.  “I Like That” by Static Revenge and Richard Vission . . . Yes!!!

6. “Sweet Disposition” by The Temper Trap . . . originally heard this in the 500 Days of Summer movie.  The movie has poignant points about relationships; these lyrics echo them.  I’m in love with this song.  The tempo slows your heartbeat a bit . . . to prepare for the next set!

7.  “Right Here Right Now” by Fatboy Slim . . . a seriously good song for running – period. (

8.  Jay-Z Super Bowl XLIV Kick Off . . . This will give you power as you pass the 3rd quarter.  And – it will get you thinking about THIS year’s Bowl in a great stadium!!

9.  “Under Pressure” by Queen & David Bowie . . . the perfect pairing to introduce your conclusion.  Bask in your achievement!!!!  Almost there!

10.  “Just Breathe” by Pearl Jam – This song quickly graduated to my top 3 fave songs of all time.  1:18 is a very cool part; although, the whole song is just beautiful.  Perfect resolution and a fabulous one to linger in your head long after cardio ceases.  Or do as I do – play this over and over and over.  Just breathe . . . . . . . . . .

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