Summer Cardio Playlist 2010
July 9, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
As promised and at long last, here is GG’s summer cardio playlist!!!! Not only are these songs the perfect tempo for cardio but they spark that glorious summer giddiness we crave all year. ~
Summer Cardio Playlist
How about going for a run on this beach?!
“California Gurls” by Katy Perry . . . A celebration of the carefree days of summer! KP recorded this song during the perfect time – very symbolic for my fam’ right now!
“California Man” by Cheap Trick . . . I can’t leave out the boys!! This is a Cheap Trick sleeper hit. If you don’t remember this song, you will wonder why. My high school pom squad won first place with this -I still remember (and can do!) the kick sequence.
“The Sound of Sunshine” by Michael Franti & Spearhead . . . the quintessential summer song!!
“Club Can’t Handle Me” (From Step Up 3D) by Flo Rida . . . this is the song that So You Think You Can Dance is using for the national routine for everyone to learn for National Dance Day. I just learned it!! It’s a very happy, feel good song – like last year’s “I Gotta Feelin’!”
“Heroes” by David Bowie . . . such a good song to keep you moving to your goal!
“Ecstasy” by Rusted Root . . . a definite summer vibe going on here; plus, it’s the only band that ever excited me enough to dance barefoot at a concert.
“Cecilia” by Simon & Garfunkel . . . when you get to this song, turn up your mp3 player one more notch – trust me!
“Shine” by The LoveFreekz (Ultra Dance 06) . . . great to blast on the treadmill or in the car on a warm sunny day.
“Right Here, Right Now” by Fatboy Slim . . . just when you’re starting to feel the steam diminishing, this longer song repeats but it’s the perfect running pace that will keep your eye on the prize.
“Joy to the World” by Three Dog Night . . . this was my late father’s very favorite song; it exemplifies his “joie de vive.” It’s just a tad slower than the rest of the songs; hence, it makes for a perfectly positive seventh-inning-stretch to your hard-earned exercise.
“(They Long to be) Close to You” by The Cranberries . . . from the “If I Were a Carpenter” CD - this version is breathtakingly beautiful. Cool down with this and walk off with a summer glow.
Next Playlist: Rockstar Playlist – no dance remixes on this one . . . pure rock & roll . . . not entirely characteristic of a GG playlist.
Click here for a link to GG’s previous popular playlists!!
May “Flower” Cardio Playlist
May 13, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
As GG followers know, I tire of my playlists quickly and need continual motivation to keep trecking on those unforgiving cardio apparatuses. Since May and June are my two very favorite months of the year, I tend to be in extra gleeful moods around now. I have a few exciting things going on in my life these days so I’m finding myself exclaiming joys of glee even more loudly than the average day. 
These songs match my mood and they’ll serve as pick-me-ups for any workout warrior. Turn it up:
“Life in Technicolor” by Coldplay . . . there’s something about this two minute instrumental that makes me feel like I can accomplish anything. 1:25 into the song, I get goosebumps!
my very favorite flowers
“Gettin’ Over You” (featuring Fergie & LMFAO) by David Guetta . . . Unless you live on another planet, you know that Guetta is the hottest DJ producer out there right now. I instantly liked this when it blasted on my car radio.
“Rock That Body” by Black Eyed Peas. . . a song that charges the engines early in the exercise regime.
“My Life Would Suck Without You” by Glee Cast . . . now, before you roll your eyes about Glee – this version is super-charged to get you to run to your destination.
“Need You Now” (CPR Remix) by Jimmy Rep . . . this gives a happy twist to a normally sad song, just the way it’s supposed to be! Dare you not to sing along to the chorus. If the person on the treadmill next to you gives you a funny look, you’ll know why.
“Circus” (Villians Remix) by Britney Spears . . . a sexier version of the original!
“Amazing” (Kaskade Remix) by Seal . . . Seal’s wife (you-know-who) requested this exact version to play in the background during a recent magazine photo shoot! It’s fabulous!
“California Dreamin’” (Tek-House Extended) by Royal Gigolos . . . I’ve been California dreaming a lot lately and this version is perfect to get you in a get-ready-for-summer mood!
“Dreams” by The Cranberries . . . this is actually GREAT for the bicycle but works well with any type of cardio.
“If We Ever Meet Again” by (feat. Katy Perry) by Timberland . . . a nice start to the cool-down because it’s not too fast and not too slow.
“Song Beneath the Song” by Maria Taylor . . . I actually secretly end with this song A LOT. There’s something about it that I love but I haven’t quite figured out why yet. It’s the perfect tempo for the very last song as well.
Check out GG’s many, many other popular playlists at Favorites: Cardio Playlists. Click, scroll down, and fill that mp3 player!!
Coming in June . . . Summer Playlist!!
Coming in July . . . RockStar Playlist!!
March Motivating Cardio Playlist!
March 2, 2010 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
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!!!
November Cardio Playlist
November 1, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
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:
Many times I have the urge to do this during cardio!
“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.
October Cardio Playlist
October 4, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
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
As a teen, I used to fall asleep before bed with headsets like these on my head.
“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.
July Cardio Playlist
July 2, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
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)
