December Christmas Cardio Playlist
November 29, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
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! I couldn’t find a decent video for this one; but, trust me, this one is definitely treadmill (and dance floor) worthy. You can listen to a portion of it HERE. (remember, Duke Ellington version, not Nat King Cole’s)
Deck the Rooftop by Glee Cast . . . Fun and more fun!!
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 (the original) . . . a holiday playlist would not be complete without including this song.
I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus by the John Mellencamp . . . my favorite version of this song!
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. After my success with my school’s flash mob, I just may do that!! (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. It’s the middle of your workout; you need the pick-me-up. No video for this one either . . . I found mine on ITunes. You can listen to a portion of it HERE.
Sleigh Ride by Johnny Mathis . . . this classic (to offset the preceeding remix) makes me all warm and fuzzy, think of Grandma & Grandpa, and recall Christmases past! This brings back that magical Christmas feeling!
Maybe This Christmas by Ron Sexsmith . . . I originally heard this on an old favorite show, The O.C. The lyrics are beautiful . . . a soothing cooldown.
Christmas Eve (Sarajevo 12/24) by Trans-Siberian Orchestra . . . compilation worthy of goosebumps and inspiring cool downs. (double click to watch on YouTube)
September Cardio Playlist
August 30, 2009 by GradingGirl
Filed under Cardio Playlists, Favorites
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!
I used to make my playlists with these!
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.
